Our Background
How We Got Here
The Latisha Marie Foundation was founded in 2022 by Laprice Shari. Laprice lost her sister to meningitis in 1995, she was only 19 years old. Latisha contracted meningitis days before her first birthday, she spent the majority of her life at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
I only met my sister one time; I remember the day as if it was yesterday! I was 9 years old, I walked into her hospital room and her bed was sitting in front of the window, her limbs were contracted but her spirit was full of joy! I remember the bright smile on her face when my mother called her name. This memory will last with me forever.
As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to educate the community about meningitis, the importance of vaccinations and support other families dealing with the disease.
Join us in the fight!
Help us end the fight against Meningitis
Know the facts
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis. It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause.
Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Group B Streptococcus
Neisseria meningitidis
Haemophilus influenzae
Listeria monocytogenes
Escherichia coli
Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of
Fever
Headache
Stiff neck
There are often other symptoms, such as
Nausea
Vomiting
Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
Altered mental status (confusion)
Newborns and babies may not have, or it may be difficult to notice the classic symptoms listed above. Instead, babies may
Be slow or inactive
Be irritable
Vomit
Feed poorly
Have a bulging fontanelle (the “soft spot” on a baby’s head)
Have abnormal reflexes
If you think your baby or child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away.
Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria.
There are two types of meningococcal vaccines licensed in the United States:
Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccines
Serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines
These vaccines help protect against all three serogroups (B, C, and Y) of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria most commonly seen in the United States. Like with any vaccine, meningococcal vaccines are not 100% effective. This means there is still a chance someone can develop meningococcal disease after vaccination.
It can be transmitted by doing things you do every day. Meningococcal disease is transmitted by respiratory and throat secretions. This means it can be transmitted by sharing drinks, eating utensils, cigarettes, kissing ect.
Have you received both meningitis vaccines? MenACWY and MenB
To learn more please visit Meningococcal Vaccination | CDC
Laprice S. Franklin
Founder and CEO
Donate Today To Help Save A Life.
Thank you so much for your unwavering love and support. Your donation will help educate and bring awareness to the community about meningitis. Provide free meningitis vaccinations, most importantly save lives and prevent suffering.
The Latisha Marie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax- deductible. 100% of your donation will go towards the foundation's mission. No gift is too small.
