Saipan Tribune

Friday, May 24, 2013

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Flores marks birthday with visit to Dora at CHC's ICU

Mayor Donald G. Flores, who turned 64 yesterday, marked his birthday by visiting 8-year-old Dora Grace Ada Camacho at the intensive care unit of the Commonwealth Health Center.

Flores was accompanied by Saipan Mayor's Office staffers Juan Aldan, Jeffrey Cabrera, Jack Deleon Guerrero, Francisco Diaz, and Keisha Nepaial.

Dora's mother, Jennifer Camacho Ada, welcomed them to the room where Dora spends her nights and days in bed due to a medical condition that has paralyzed her from the neck down.

Dora blinked her eyes to answer the mayor's question if he could read her a book. With the help of her mother, Dora selected the book Dora and the Unicorn King for Flores to read.

The mayor also presented Dora with a stuffed toy, which coincidentally was a unicorn. He also read a card containing messages of support and encouragement as well as monetary donation from the employees at the Saipan Mayor's Office.

Flores said that yesterday's visit to Dora was his second. He disclosed that Dora's grandfather, Ignacio Ada, is his neighbor and that Flores' great grandfather was also an Ada.

According to Flores, he wanted to have a memorable birthday celebration so he thought of spending a few moments with the girl who has brought together the entire community to support her family's efforts to fly her to the mainland for medical attention.

“The Lord works in mysterious ways and I know He can provide a miracle for Dora,” said Flores. “I thank all my staff for being generous and making a donation for Dora. We all hope that arrangements can be made soon for Dora's speedy recovery.”

Flores will also celebrate his birthday with a small banquet for his staff at the Mayor's Office.

Ada, Dora's mother, said in a separate interview that Dora receives a number of visitors who read to her but Flores' visit was different because it was the mayor's actual birthday.

“I know he's a very busy man but he took time to read a storybook for my daughter and I'm happy about that. I thank the entire community for giving my daughter the support, love, and prayers she needs. That's what she needs, that's what I need so my daughter can get her mind off of what she's going through,” said Ada.