‘She’s Not Giving Up’: Manhattan Asked To Rally Around Wife Of ‘The Taco Man’ Fighting Rare Infection

MANHATTAN, IL — Their faces have become increasingly familiar as their taco catering business has served thousands in the area, and now the Pantoja family is turning to the community for support amid a dire situation.

Angie and Dap (David) Pantoja—the forces behind “The Taco Man”—are facing a medical emergency, as doctors work to fight off an infection rapidly spreading within Angie. Stemming from a problematic wisdom tooth, if not contained, the infection could kill her, doctors have said.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” Pantoja said. “It’s a nightmare.”

It’s a crisis that has brought the tight-knit family of four even closer as they rally around Angie, 42. Dap and their children David II (21) and Aaliyah (18) stay by her side, as she undergoes successive surgeries often just hours apart. Doctors are battling the infection from the inside, scraping it and spotting areas where it might have spread. First hospitalized on Sunday, each day is critical, and so much is still unknown.

It’s forced a pause to the business they have so lovingly built together, and a family friend has started a GoFundMe to support them. As of Thursday evening, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $10,000.

“Dap—known and loved by so many in our community as ‘The Taco Man’—has put everything on hold to be by Angie’s side, where he needs to be most, which means he is unable to work or serve the community during this time,” Monique Proper wrote in the fundraiser. “The emotional toll is heavy, and the financial strain only adds to the weight they are carrying.”

Pantoja’s popular taco business has been a labor of love for the couple, who have grown it from a taco stand with just a Blackstone grill and an occasional gig, to an in-demand catering business that serves business lunches, parties, and community gatherings.

“Angie now calls herself ‘The Taco Lady,'” Proper said, laughing. “She’s right there with him, slinging tacos, entertaining people. Their characters draw people to them—they’re a dynamic duo. It’s profound what they’ve already built upon in the last couple of years, for people to gravitate toward them.”

‘The biggest hearts’

Angie grew up in Manhattan, and Dap nearby in Joliet. The two met when they were just 12 years old, and recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Proper has known Angie for 30 years, having first met when Proper moved to Manhattan at 10 years old.

“Her and I were inseparable growing up,” Proper said.

Proper then grew to love Pantoja, too, and has watched as the community has embraced the couple and their passion project.

“They’re just wonderful people, really family-oriented,” Proper said. “They have gone all-in the last couple of years to build it into something.

“David’s personality is pretty colorful. He’s always happy, he’s just a really awesome guy to be able to relate to. He’s a jokester. He kinda defined his image (as The Taco Man)—it fell really easily into his lap.”

Prior to the business, Pantoja was a union laborer—a job that meant long hours, a commute to the city, and time away from his family. Taking a chance on his taco stand meant more time with them.

They started small—pop-ups at Roadhouse 52 for summer volleyball leagues—and word spread fast. His tacos are “fire,” Proper said, and everyone wants to try “The Taco Man.”

It’s been a grind—and it’s working.

“We’ve just trying to get our name out there,” Pantoja said. “The phone kept ringing. Before, we were happy to do 1-2 jobs here and there, doing 1-2 jobs in a day now—public event, then go back and do a private event.

“All summer, we were together all summer.”

Now, just as bookings were coming in for their anticipated busy season, the family is only focused on Angie getting well. The crisis began on Thursday, with pain in her wisdom tooth. By Sunday, they were at Silver Cross Hospital, then transferred immediately to University of Chicago. The infection is incredibly rare, doctors have said. Thursday marked her fourth consecutive surgery to remove the infection. Each incision is left open, David II said, allowing doctors to go back and check progress each step of the way. Surgery turnarounds are 10–12 hours, David II said, and based on what they find each time they go back in.

“It’s off a visual of what they’re seeing on a daily basis,” David II said. “What they see today, is what they’re going to plan for tomorrow. … This stuff doesn’t show up well on CT scans—it disguises itself pretty well. They’re learning just as much as us.”

Angie is awake and alert in spurts, using a whiteboard to communicate. Also a Type I diabetic, doctors are keeping a watchful eye on the trauma her body is enduring.

“Seeing her at 8:00, with her hopes all high, writing on her board,” Pantoja said. “Two hours later, she can’t open her eyes. We just had her right back, then she’s down again. It’s taking a lot out of all of us.”

Proper said even throughout this all, Angie’s personality peeks through—giving all around her a glimmer of optimism.

“She’s staying in high spirits,” Proper said, “Her humor is still there. We’re holding on to every ounce of hope.”

Pantoja took to social media Thursday to share an update on Angie with their followers.

“… while the days ahead remain uncertain, her faith and strength have been unwavering,” he wrote. “She has made it very clear that she is not giving up without a fight.”

He said the Manhattan community has been so important to their business, and family.

‘There’s just so much love from friends and family—and now from just strangers, who came to our pop-ups,” he said. “Now they’re like family. … It’s one big family. It’s a town full of good people.”

David II said they appreciate the support the community has shown their family so far.

“It’s super-appreciated,” he said, of the GoFundMe. “Stuff like that allows my dad to not have to worry about work, bills like a car payment. It’s appreciated.

“If everyone could continue prayers … we appreciate it now, we’re going to continue to appreciate it.”

Pantoja echoed that.

“Keep praying,” he asks the community.

Bookings are paused temporarily, but check social media for updates.

“… We appreciate everyone for the support, messages and prayers. We hope you understand, this is not the end!”

Proper hopes her friends feel supported.

“Angie and Dap have the biggest hearts and have always shown up for their family, friends and community,” she wrote in the fundraiser. “Now it’s our turn to show up for them.

“If you’re able to donate, please do. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page, keeping them in your prayers, and sending words of encouragement are just as meaningful. Let’s come together as a community to support Angie and Dap during this critical time. Every bit of support helps.”