b'extended periods because they wanted to talk, upbringing. Ill never forget that event! Drs.although they knew she could only pass their Ben Thrower and Angel Chinea were ourinformation along. I didnt mind listening speakers, and to my knowledge, it was thebecause I got the feeling they were lonely and, best-attended program weve had. There wereat the same time, relieved that someone else over 300 people, some of whom drove hoursspoke their language, she said. Rosa may be across the island to be there! Each of thema middleman for the Spanish hotline, but her valued our presence, and the program wascontributions dont go unnoticed. When people informative. speak your language, they feel comfortable Sherrol also had the luxury of connectingbecause they can thoroughly explain themselves faces to the voices shed heard over the phoneand get appropriate help, Rosa said. Some for years.Some wereevenbookedonthecallers have to navigate by themselves, which cruise that trip. Yes, it was good to socializecan be frustrating. Thats why its important to with them. I met a few during dinner andlearn more than one language, as you never others in karaoke. It was a nice experience!know who may need assistance but cant While MS Focus has evolved since 1986,communicate properly. Luckily, its not just there are still people living with the diseaseus! Now, some doctors who speak Spanish that are unaware of the Foundations services.even refer patients to Spanish programs likeours. In my view, its a win-win situation!No matter the time or setting, Sherrol is happySince more sta members speak uent to provide information about the organizationSpanish, Rosa spends less time on the hotline. to inquiring minds. During her travels, othersHowever, she and Sherrol are solely responsible notice the Foundation stickers on her luggagefor all translated MS Focus materials for the or the lanyard around her neck and begin askingHispanic/Latinx community. We translate questions. Ive sat on airplanes, conversingwhatever gets requested, Sherrol said. Some- about what we offer to the MS communitytimes, those requests are from our directors, and the entire flight. Lots of them dont knowother times, they come from clients. Rosa and there are differences betweenus and otherI translate booklets, brochures, articles, and organizations in the MS Coalition. the like. Even applications for each MS Focus Many citizens throughout Puerto Ricoprogram are available in Spanish.take advantage of our services, but just asTo Rosa, translation work alone is like having many arent familiar with them. MS Focus:a second job. Often, the responsibility spills into the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation also supportsafter-hours, she said. Because we are more the U.S. Virgin Islands, although few havefamiliar with the MS-related terminology, we requested help in that region. Sherrol takesalso rene other translators work to make it delight in knowing that MS Focus refuses tobetter for the Spanish speakers and readers. leaveanyoneoutinthecommunity.ForHispanic Heritage Month, we conducted ourRosas obligations keep her at the corporate rst two Spanish Zoom conferences that areoce, but Sherrol has done a bit of traveling available for viewing on our YouTube channel,in the past. She fondly recalls attending she said. We are committing to provide newaneducationalprograminPuertoRico Spanish-language content quarterly. It isimmediately before an MS Focus cruise. I imperative to recognize all our clients, whetherwas born in London and lived in New York theyre Hispanic, African American, etc. Theyfor a few years, but Puerto Rico is home to me need to feel important, and through supplyingbecause its the place I spent much of my their needs, we become a diverse organization. 41 msfocusmagazine.org'