To all,
Recently I reached out to Martha Velez De Nieves to find out how she and her husband were doing in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. For those of you that do not know Martha she is the President of the Ostomy Association of Puerto Rico (AOPR … Asociacion Ostomizados de Puerto Rico). Martha has been a leader on the international scene for many years serving as an Officer in the North and Central America and Caribbean Ostomy Association, the Ostomy Association of the Americas and as a Delegate at International Ostomy Association World Council Meetings.Martha hosted an IOA World Council Congress and has also attended many UOA and UOAA Conferences over the years.
In response to my inquiry regarding the current conditions in Puerto Rico and whether there was anything that could be done by our local ASG’s that could help our ostomate brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, she responded as follows: “It is not easy trying to cope with the situation. I really appreciate your interest in helping us. Now the communication is starting to flow a little bit better. The postal service is back working with difficulties and the Internet is very slow, Our Ostomates are in need of supplies as we are running out of health care, food, etc. We would appreciate any help you can send. I’m giving my personal address for the donations as it is more safe.”
Martha Velez De Nieves
C/O AOPR
13 Palacios del Escorial
Apt. 1371
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00987-6039
Thank you for your consideration of this action,
Kenneth W. Aukett
UOAA Co-Founder
Chair, International Ostomy Association Coordination Committee