25 Years of Sisterhood: Honoring Dorothy J. Reed and the Legacy of Sister2Sister
By Tyrone Z. McCants | Photographer & Interviewer | May 7, 2025 | Blink NJ Magazine
In the heart of the Sister2Sister Somerset facility in New Jersey, Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, the President and Founder of Sister2Sister, stands in a beautiful room adorned with a collection of framed photographs and an art piece celebrating great women. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
Mothers, Makers & Matriarchs
Celebrating Dorothy J. Reed — mother, survivor, founder — and the powerful matriarchs of Sister2Sister who’ve transformed communities through care and commitment.
For 25 years, Sister2Sister has served as a beacon of hope, healing, and empowerment for women and families affected by breast cancer. Founded in 2000 by Dorothy J. Reed and the late Pearl Grace, the Central New Jersey nonprofit has evolved from a grassroots support group into a trusted community organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and compassionate service. As the organization reaches this historic milestone, a new chapter begins—one marked by leadership transition, reflection, and the video presentation of a legacy that has changed countless lives.
On a beautiful spring day, I was honored to visit the Somerset location of Sister2Sister, a grassroots powerhouse rooted in purpose, compassion, and an unyielding mission to save lives. It was April 16, 2025, and the occasion was special: filming for a new documentary celebrating 25 years of service, advocacy, and impact.
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In the heart of the Sister2Sister Somerset facility in New Jersey, a poignant moment unfolds as Ms. Rosa Davis, Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, and Ms. Lareatha Payne, the esteemed founders of Sister2Sister, gather for a documentary filming session.
The trio is captured engaging in heartfelt conversation and reminiscing about the 25 remarkable years of their impactful work. Seated around a round table draped with a white tablecloth, the women are bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through generous windows, casting a serene ambiance over the community room.
Founders of Sister2Sister, Ms. Davis, Ms. Reed, and Ms. Payne, reflect on a 25-year legacy during documentary filming in the Somerset facility, New Jersey. The trio gathers around a table, illuminated by sunlight filtering through windows. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
As they reflect on their journey, their enduring dedication and passion continue to shine through, creating a compelling narrative of perseverance and empowerment.
When Ms. Grace passed away in 2001, her spirit lived on. A portrait of her sits high inside the Somerset location. As Ms. Reed gave me the tour, she paused to gaze at it and said, “Pearl’s last words to me were—keep this organization going.” She smiled at the portrait and added lovingly, “I did my best, Pearl!”
Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, the President and Founder of Sister2Sister, gestures warmly toward the framed portrait of the late Pearl Grace, her dear friend and co-founder of Sister2Sister. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
“We purchased this place in 2007,” said Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, President and Co-Founder of Sister2Sister. “We didn’t want it to feel like a hospital when women are going through treatment. We wanted something where women felt like they were coming to a home and considered it a Sister’s House.” Together, these four women built a mission-driven organization to address disparities in breast cancer care for Black and underserved communities.
This house, now filled with decades of awards, proclamations, and accolades, tells the story of tireless advocacy. Sister2Sister has become a beacon of empowerment from national campaigns to local support groups. With multiple locations and virtual reach, they host Survivorship Meetings throughout Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties. These monthly gatherings provide comfort and community to both newly diagnosed individuals and long-standing survivors.
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Ms. Lareatha Payne, Founder of Sister2Sister, points to her wrist, drawing attention to a bracelet that reads "Woman of Faith." Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
The occasion marked a significant transition: Ms. Tress J. Parker, a longtime supporter, advocate, and master multitasker, is stepping into the role of Sister2Sister's president. In an intimate and heartfelt exchange, Ms. Lareatha Payne, one of the founding members, shared her blessings with Ms. Parker, anointing her as the right person to carry the torch forward.
“You got it. I knew you were the one when I saw you—I discerned,” said Ms. Payne. “Your spirit. And I know Dorothy had been trying for a long time for somebody to come in this position to replace her, that had the heart. And you’re the one.”
Ms. Lareatha Payne, Founder of Sister2Sister, and Tress J. Parker, Executive Director of Sister2Sister, engage in a conversation in a well-lit kitchen at the Sister2Sister Somerset facility in New Jersey. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
The words “Woman of Faith” engraved on Ms. Payne’s bracelet were more than an accessory—they were a declaration. Faith has always been the bedrock of Sister2Sister, guiding its mission through every challenge. That faith now surrounds Parker as she steps into a role shaped by the prayers, stories, and sacrifices of those who came before her.
Ms. Payne's words weren’t just encouraging—they were affirming. In their candid conversation, two generations of service connected in a profound expression of shared faith, purpose, and leadership. It was a powerful moment of grace and transition, as one season made way for the next.
Ms. Rosa Davis, Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, and Ms. Lareatha Payne, the Founders of Sister2Sister, are captured during a documentary filming session in Colonial Park, New Jersey. The trio is seen walking arm in arm along a paved path in the park, dressed warmly, hinting at cooler weather. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
Later that same day, at Colonial Park, the production crew from Daniel Productions—led by director Chris Daniel with support from Toni J and Mike—captured footage for the upcoming anniversary documentary. Drones flew overhead, cameras rolled, and the energy of celebration mixed with focus. In between shots, Parker reflected on her journey and her vision.
Parker said in her interview, “It’s a full circle moment. My most favorable times working have been in the space of health care. From Health care to Technologies, to the Events industry, that led me back to Health care services and pharmaceutical companies, back to advocacy and supporting patients, the place where I started out.”
As Sister2Sister prepares to celebrate its 25th Anniversary Gala, the atmosphere is filled with gratitude and anticipation. The event will feature the premiere of the documentary, community awards, and a tribute to Dorothy J. Reed’s unparalleled leadership. With Parker at the helm, the organization is committed to growing its mission while remaining grounded in the core values that shaped it—faith, sisterhood, and service.
Tress J. Parker, the Executive Director of Sister2Sister, is joined by the Founders, Ms. Lareatha Payne, Ms. Dorothy J. Reed, and Ms. Rosa Davis, in a heartwarming moment at Colonial Park. The four sit together on a park bench, radiating happiness and camaraderie with bright smiles. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
Her goals are clear: bridge Sister2Sister’s history with cutting-edge innovations. This includes launching a groundbreaking patient data research initiative that utilizes AI and electronic health records to identify disparities and promote improved health outcomes across communities. Parker explains that this initiative will help provide data-driven solutions for equal care.
The organization also plans to elevate its advocacy at the legislative level, strengthen its infrastructure for larger-scale funding, and remain committed to community-based impact.
The essence of Sister2Sister remains its monthly Survivorship Meetings, where women share stories, receive guidance, and hold space for one another. These meetings are not just medical—they’re emotional, spiritual, and deeply human. “I’m just super honored and humbled to have the opportunity to stand on the heels of such greatness,” Parker said. “Working alongside Dorothy for the last four years now, just watching someone under Grace just do a lot of things that I'm like, whoa, if I could do a portion of what she does, I know that we will do exceptional things. I'm looking forward to it.”
Tress J. Parker, the Executive Director of Sister2Sister, and Chris Daniel of Daniel Productions are captured at Colonial Park, NJ, by a picturesque lakeside. Mike operates a drone camera while Tress and Chris walk down the pathway winding through the lush, grassy park area, surrounded by blooming trees. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
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Ms. Reed’s retirement marks the end of a significant era, but she’s stepping into the next chapter with joy. “I love to travel,” she said with a smile. “My grandchildren are ten years old. I don’t want to miss the next ten years — take a couple of vacations with them, maybe go out of the country.” She’s also an avid reader, with a growing stack of biographies and historical works waiting for her attention. “I just want to relax, have tea, read my books, and be the wind beneath Tress Parker’s wings,” she added, referencing the incoming President of Sister2Sister.
Tress J. Parker, the Executive Director of Sister2Sister, engages in an interview with BLINK NJ in the picturesque setting of Colonial Park, NJ. She is seen wearing sunglasses and a light vest, deeply engrossed in conversation outdoors under a partly cloudy sky. In the background, Chris Daniel of Daniel Productions is visible, near film equipment, standing on a grassy area, capturing the empowering moment. Photos by: Tyrone Z. McCants | Zire Photography | BLINK Media
This June, as Sister2Sister marks 25 years of service, they do so not with a grand gesture, but with their arms open, ready to embrace the next woman who walks through the door needing help, hope, or just to be heard.
That’s why this story matters. Sister2Sister isn’t about one moment; it’s about 25 years of everyday people rising to meet everyday challenges—and doing it together.
