Couple surprised with dream honeymoon despite terminal illness

Leon Flowers & Dana Ramclam-Flowers

A recently married Belize City couple today received a pleasant surprise from the Belize Tourism Board, following a request made by the colleagues of the husband to have them enjoy a honeymoon they did not get a chance to have since the wife is terminally ill with cancer.  This morning, the unsuspecting couple showed up at the Raccoon Street Police Precinct where they were both informed of the dream getaway.  News Five’s Duane Moody has the following story.

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Duane Moody, Reporting

Meet Mister and Misses Leon and Dana Flowers. They are newlyweds.  Sadly, shortly after their exchange of vows Dana was diagnosed with stage three cancer. She was receiving medical treatment in the U.S. over the course of last year, but Dana has now returned home…with the worst news. Doctors informed her that the cancer is terminal and that she has only up to a year or so to live.

Dana Ramclam-Flowers, Recipient, B.T.B. Honeymoon Package

“I know it has been hard for both of us, my family. I would also like to thank my Bravo Motors family for their support and love throughout my fight.”

Leyna Cano

The Flowers have accepted the fact that they will never have children and are trying to spend as much time together. Deon is a police officer attached to Precinct Two here in Belize City. And one of his co-workers, along with the police department, sent a special request to the Belize Tourism Board; that is, to give the Flowers the dream honeymoon they could not enjoy due to her illness.

WPC Leyna Cano, Friend of Couple

“I know that they have had a lot of problems and hardship and with families who face cancers, you tend to appreciate more the little things in life. And when I spoke to PC Flowers about what was going on in his family, it really touched me and I couldn’t just let it go away and so I came back to work and spoke to who I really needed to talk to. And they were all in and we really didn’t think it would materialize, but with the grace of god, everything worked out and I hope that they enjoy the time.”

Calbert Flowers

ASP Calbert Flowers, Deputy O.C., Precinct 2, Belize City Police

“PC Flowers is a hard working member of our staff; he is a very good operational officer. Whenever he is called upon, although he is going through his own personal problems at home, he is always there to answer the call and is willing to work.”

And today, at the Raccoon Street Police Station, B.T.B., along with the police department, gave the couple the surprise of a lifetime; a nine-day, all expense paid package to experience the sights and sounds of the country. According to Public Relations Manager, Andrea Polanco, they were truly moved by the story and the request by the officers and the industry partners willingly came on board with overwhelming support.

Andrea Polanco, PR Manager, B.T.B.

Andrea Polanco

“They are going to start out the trip in Placencia—they are going to do an all day sea adventure with Splash Dive Center; they are going to eat at some of the best restaurants in Placencia….of course our cuisine is one of the best in the world. They are going to be staying with Robert’s Grove; they are going to pull out the red carpet for them, everything; that treatment. And then they are going to San Ignacio where they will be staying at Chaa Creek, one of the best properties in Cayo that offers so much. They are going to do a lot with Chaa Creek; some day tours. They are going to Xunantunich; they are going to be eating at different restaurants in San Ignacio. So it is really a time for them to just relax and experience Belize and enjoy what we have here. Then they will leave for San Pedro, which is the last leg. They are going to do something very special which is a couple massage with Victoria House, recognized worldwide. They’re going to be going sailing, doing a sunset sail and eating at some of the best: Elvis Kitchen, Caramba’s; a number of different restaurants there. So they’ll be doing a lot.”

Leon Flowers, Recipient, B.T.B. Honeymoon Package

“Honestly I speechless; just grateful and thankful to everyone for this.”

Dana Flowers

“Thanks to the Police Department and B.T.B. of course. I speechless myself. I know that I will truly enjoy it.”

The couple departs Belize City at ten-thirty a.m. on Friday en route to Placencia for the first leg of their honeymoon package. Duane Moody for News Five.