Dano Rapada fundraiser nets nearly $2,000

Daniel Rapada has been in and out of hospitals numerous times over the years battling an array of serious health issues.

Last Wednesday, his admirers showed their hearts during a benefit fundraiser for the Swinomish teen at Santo Coyote Mexican Kitchen.

Rapada, a 2021 La Conner High School graduate, is recovering from a kidney transplant. It is the latest in a series of medical procedures he has undergone since having been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a rare condition in which the body does not produce enough new blood cells.

Mindful of the costs related to transplant surgery, the local restaurant pledged 20% of its proceeds from Feb. 23 dining to Rapada and his family. By day’s end, that amounted to $900.

In addition, diners, restaurant staff, and community members pitched in another $1,070, according to Santo Coyote manager Belen Cortes.

“It was a lot, a record-breaking night for us,” Cortes said of the turnout on behalf of Rapada, known fondly as ‘Dano.’ “It was absolutely our pleasure to be able to help. We’re hoping to do more events like this.”

The fundraiser was organized by La Conner Hook & Ladder and the La Conner Firefighters Association.

“It was a huge success,” Jaime Stroebel-Reinstra, event coordinator and longtime friend of Rapada’s mom, Sally Wilbur, said afterward. “Everyone was in good spirits. The restaurant was packed. Every chair was being used.”

Members of Hook & Ladder and the Firefighter’s Association had planned to work tables, but Santo Coyote covered that by bringing in extra staff. Those workers, in turn, donated to the cause.

Rapada is an inspiration to many on both sides of Swinomish Channel. He has remained strong through dialysis, surgeries, extended hospital stays, and treatment for repeated seizures.

“He is such a miracle and a warrior,” Stroebel-Reinstra told the Weekly News.

This fundraiser was certainly a big part of his ongoing healing process.

“It was an awesome event,” Stroebel-Reinstra said, “that helped bring some support to such an amazing young man.”