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The Latisha Marie Foundation was created in 2022 in memory of Latisha Marie Franklin. Help us keep her memory alive.

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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!

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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.

Meningitis | CDC

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.

Bacterial Meningitis | CDC

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. 

Preventing Meningococcal Disease | CDC

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 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

Image by National Cancer Institute
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Laprice S. Franklin

Founder and CEO

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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.  

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