Quick reaction leads to permanent memory

DUNDEE--A momentary reaction by a Dundee resident sparked the interest of a Penn Yan tattoo shop on Friday this past week.
Twenty-seven year old Sara Raplee was recognized by the Living Canvas Tattoo Studio on Main Street for her quick actions helping a young child who was choking at the Classic Cafe in Dundee last month.
On Dec. 21, Raplee stopped to pick up an order placed by her grandmother. As Raplee waited at the counter, she began conversing with friends and was interrupted by a nearby gagging sound.
A small child was choking just behind her.
Raplee's maternal instincts kicked in as she tried to employ the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the blockage in the child's windpipe. When that did not work, Raplee caused the child to vomit and dislodged the blockage.
"I was just in the right place at the right time," said Raplee. "I didn't know her, and I didn't even think about it...I just reacted."
Raplee, who did not know the child or her mother, simply accepted the thank you for her actions, asked if the little girl was OK and walked out of the Classic Cafe as if nothing had happened. Later, Raplee was given a gift certificate from the Classic Cafe, which she donated to a homeless man seeking a meal in the Dundee area.
"I was raised that it doesn't matter what walk of life someone comes from, you need to treat them with respect," said Raplee.
During the holiday season, the Living Canvas Tattoo Studio held a local contest asking for nominations of individuals who had contributed in some way to their community. Two individuals were selected, each being honored with a free $100 tattoo from artists Lyle La Barr and Tommy Mutz.
"We decided to give back to the community for the holiday season. This was a perfect opportunity to honor those who do simple things that can be life-changing for other individuals," said La Barr.
Josh Dillon, a friend of Raplee's, submitted the nomination, after hearing of the contest on a local social media site.
"She really deserved this," said Dillon. "Check out all of these comments from local people thanking her for her actions."
Raplee, who was honored this past Friday, had three names of local family members permanently scribed on her left wrist.
"She took this award and honored those she loved...that says a lot about her character right there," said Mutz.