Remarkable Women: Henrietta Lacks

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists knew her as HeLa.  She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, but her cells – taken without her knowledge – became one of the most important tools in medicine.  The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than 60 years.  HeLa cells were vital in developing the polio vaccine, uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the effects of the atom bomb and helped lead to important medical advances.  Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown and is buried in an unmarked grave. Join us in learning the story of this extraordinary woman.