About Us

Now a days Dr. Maria Adelita Reyes-Velarde works at the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society, New York Home Office, as Manager of Underserved Population
Programs, Department of Research and Clinical Programs. SHe holds a medical
degree from Ecuador and a Master in Public Health from George Washington
University.

Dr. Reyes-Velarde was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She went to Cornell
University (Ithaca, NY) where she studied premed and organic chemistry. In 1980,
she moved to Ecuador where she completed her studies in medicine and worked
as a Doctor in a public hospital and through private practice for various years. She
also owned and managed "Los Nevados" pharmacy.

Dr. Reyes was a volunteer at the Ecuadorian National Commission of BMX of the
National Cycling Association. She held the positions of Secretary of the National
Commission and Treasurer of the Provincial Association of Pichincha. She served
as Delegate from Ecuador to various international conventions of the International
Cycling Association (UCI) division of BMX, a great honor since she was a
foreigner. This got her to travel to places like Argentina, Bolivia,Chile, Brazil,
Colombia, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway and the USA. Her involvement with
the BMX started as a result of her sons' participation in the sport.

She was a powerful force in the creation of the Ecuadorian National Commission
of BMX, designing and writing its statues. She translated from English to Spanish
the international rule book of BMX and wrote the Ecuadorian book of rules for
BMX, an adaptation of the International one to the necessities of the country. In
1995 she was presented with an Award that recognized her work in favor of the
Ecuadorian youth in the sport's field.

After living 15 years in Ecuador she decided to return to the States so that her
children could continue their higher education here. Soon after, she was
diagnosed with Probable MS and decided to study health administration
graduating with a Master degree from George Washington University in Public
Health-Administrative Medicine Management.

Recognizing the need of practical health information in Spanish and because of
her love to educate patients in their disease as a means to empower them in the
control of their lives, Dr. Reyes decided to create the website "Hablemos de
Esclerosis Multiple"-Let's talk about MS

For motivational or educational talks about MS or other chronic diseases to the
Latin community you can contact Dr. Reyes:

e-mail me

About the author

HABLEMOS DE
ESCLEROSIS MULTIPLE
©2001maria a. reyes-velarde