Empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives

From the Community

August 4, 2025

Jeniffer Moreno Ortiz

A group of people and three dogs pose together at Walk MS. — Jeniffer (front, center) was diagnosed in 2022. She says finding a bilingual neurologist helped her support system better understand MS.

As a first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, one of my responsibilities growing up was to translate any communication between my parents and non-Spanish speaking people, including medical professionals.As is custom in many Latin-American households, my family wasn’t used to seeking medical advice from professionals for any illness, aside from yearly appointments. With limited resources at their disposal, my parents would handle any form of sickness or ailment with home remedies. However, when I was initially feeling symptoms of multiple sclerosis, I knew no home remedy could help me. I sought medical help and, when I was diagnosed with MS at 24 years old, I wasn’t sure how I was going to translate my diagnosis to my Spanish-speaking parents. The medical phrases and terms I translated as a kid never went beyond a simple cold. I did not have the words I needed to explain to my parents that I have an incurable, chronic illness.

It was discomforting to trek into the medical world, as I was unfamiliar with seeking medical help. I bounced from a hospital to a family practice. Then, after multiple tests, I was finally referred to what would become my current neurologist’s office. As privileged as I am to have these resources available, I couldn’t help but feel at a disadvantage when navigating such an unfamiliar space. I remember feeling the pressure growing as I got closer to my first neurology appointment.My then-fiancé (now husband) was raised similarly. He was just as lost with me but remained firmly by my side. My family had no knowledge of MS before I was diagnosed, nor did I. I felt overwhelmed by my diagnosis. I was navigating my own understanding of this life-altering information and dealing with my family’s reaction to it, on top of ensuring I correctly translated the complexities of MS into Spanish.

Benefits of a Bilingual Provider

Luckily, I was referred to a bilingual neurologist who helped me understand my diagnosis, ease my discomfort with medical providers, and help me communicate my diagnosis in Spanish to my family. Having a bilingual neurologist has been a tremendous help throughout my MS journey. I went through so many emotions receiving my diagnosis, but having the responsibility of needing to translate to my family taken off my plate alleviated some of the pressure during that time.Due to my neurologist’s assistance, my family and friends have been able to understand what my diagnosis means and how they can support me. Being diagnosed with MS can feel lonely at times but having my loved ones’ support has shown me that I’m not alone in this fight.

A young woman takes a selfie while getting an infusion treatment. — After her MS diagnosis, Jeniffer started treatment with a disease-modifying therapy (DMT).

Spreading Awareness to the Hispanic Community

the Hispanic/Latinx community. My neurologist and hospital know about the information gap in this community regarding MS, as well as medical care in general. To help combat this gap, they referred me to a local Spanish newspaper, Que Pasa. With them, I was interviewed to share my diagnosis story and help advocate to my community about MS and the importance of seeking medical care." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Having a bilingual neurologist has also taught me about limited MS awareness in the Hispanic/Latinx community. My neurologist and hospital know about the information gap in this community regarding MS, as well as medical care in general. To help combat this gap, they referred me to a local Spanish newspaper, Que Pasa. With them, I was interviewed to share my diagnosis story and help advocate to my community about MS and the importance of seeking medical care.

MS advocacy in the Hispanic/Latinx community. We need advocacy to bring awareness to a disease that is not commonly discussed within a community where we are taught to tough things out.Because of my diagnosis journey, and as a current case manager for Hispanic/Latinx children, I understand how underserved our community can be. This motivates me in continuing to share my story in hopes of raising awareness to my community, which has always lifted me up when I needed it most." c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Once the article was published, I received feedback from family, friends and coworkers on how impactful it was to read my story. My parents shared how reading this story in Spanish helped further their understanding of MS and the symptoms I experience. My friends and coworkers told me how reading the article helped them understand MS and the importance of seeking medical care, even if they have been accustomed to using home remedies as a primary source of care.Receiving this feedback showed me the importance of MS advocacy in the Hispanic/Latinx community. We need advocacy to bring awareness to a disease that is not commonly discussed within a community where we are taught to tough things out.Because of my diagnosis journey, and as a current case manager for Hispanic/Latinx children, I understand how underserved our community can be. This motivates me in continuing to share my story in hopes of raising awareness to my community, which has always lifted me up when I needed it most.

A wedding photo of a young man and woman. — Jeniffer's husband has been by her side as she navigates her MS journey.

From the Society: Tips for Finding Spanish-Speaking Healthcare Providers

Contact an MS Navigator.

Call the National Alliance for Hispanic Health’s Su Familia at 866-783-2645.

When you call the provider’s office, say: “Español, por favor” or “Spanish, please.” Many doctors’ offices have Spanish-speaking staff or use an interpreting service.

Make sure the provider has vast experience and knowledge about MS.

LANGUAGE HELP

Relatives and friends may provide support during appointments and take notes, but avoid using them as interpreters. Speaking Spanish doesn’t necessarily mean being qualified to interpret medical information.
If you live in an area with few Spanish speakers, you may need to travel to an urban area. Nonprofit, university or religion-affiliated hospitals are a good starting point.
Online translation tools can help you understand documents you must fill out. Do not rely on them to communicate with your provider or translate medical instructions or information.

ANSWERS

If you have trouble understanding providers or interpreters, ask them to repeat themselves. They should use clear, simple language.
If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

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RESOURCES

Contact an MS Navigator.
Call the National Alliance for Hispanic Health’s Su Familia at 866-783-2645.
When you call the provider’s office, say: “Español, por favor” or “Spanish, please.” Many doctors’ offices have Spanish-speaking staff or use an interpreting service.
Make sure the provider has vast experience and knowledge about MS.

LANGUAGE HELP

Relatives and friends may provide support during appointments and take notes, but avoid using them as interpreters. Speaking Spanish doesn’t necessarily mean being qualified to interpret medical information.
If you live in an area with few Spanish speakers, you may need to travel to an urban area. Nonprofit, university or religion-affiliated hospitals are a good starting point.
Online translation tools can help you understand documents you must fill out. Do not rely on them to communicate with your provider or translate medical instructions or information.

ANSWERS

If you have trouble understanding providers or interpreters, ask them to repeat themselves. They should use clear, simple language.
If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

Jeniffer Moreno Ortiz is a first-generation college graduate who currently works as a case manager with the Hispanic/Latinx community. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, listen to music and spend time with her family and friends. Jeniffer currently lives in North Carolina with her husband Jimmy and their four fur babies: Sylvester, Boots, Canela and Scrappy.

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