Prayer and belief that “all things work together for good” have strengthened and sustained Ms. Latasha Dawson and Dr. Latish Reed, two beautiful, black butterflies as they slay Lupus! While black butterflies can represent death, they also signify transformation and renewal! Read Latasha and Latish’s stories to understand how these two women have transformed their health challenges into opportunities for success!

Latish and Latasha met in the early 1990s as young women pursing their undergraduate degrees at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively. During their college days, Latish became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Latasha joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. While the two joined different sororities, they became acquainted through National Panhellenic Council events and other Divine Nine Greek activities.

After college, both young ladies became educators in the Milwaukee Public Schools. By 2000, Latasha and Latish ended up being forced into a sorority that they would have preferred NOT to join. In February 1999 after having her first child, Latasha had several complications that left her almost immobile and unable to care for her newborn or return to work. She was diagnosed with Lupus. In the spring of 2000, Latish had a series of unexplained illnesses, pain, and fatigue. Finally, after a scary visit to the emergency room, doctors ran the appropriate tests to determine that her official diagnosis was also Lupus.

Through many ups and down, these ladies have remained resilient and continue to live their lives to the fullest potential and beyond. Latasha is married with two beautiful daughters and a grandson. She is a daycare owner and realtor. Latish is a single mom who is finishing a book about leading for a more equitable society and consulting leaders and organizations to that end. Both ladies have a strong belief in God which they credit as being a miraculous healer at critical moments on their Lupus journeys.

These two Black butterflies were blessed to have had Dr. Mary Cronin as their long-term Rheumatologist. Her genuine care and concern was priceless as they learned to navigate their health journeys, work, and family. We dedicate our joint fundraising efforts in honor of her amazing career and wish her an enjoyable retirement!