Henrietta Lacks, in her late 20’s, developed an aggressive and severe form of cervical cancer.  She died on October 4, 1951 at the age of 31.  Months before she died her doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland removed cancer cells from her cervix and gave them to the hospital’s research lab. 

Before Henrietta Lacks, scientist could not keep human cells alive outside of the human body for any significant period of time. They tried growing human cell in a lab but for decades were unable to do so. They needed to keep cells alive to see how they worked, to study and learn from them.  Ms. Lacks’ cells would prove to be of immense benefit to scientists and the medical world. When cultured, Ms. Lack's cells not only lived for several hours, they doubled in number every 24 hours and continued to double as long as they had nutrients. These were the first immortal human cells ever grown in culture.  The scientific name for the cells is HeLa.  The name is derived from the first two letters of her first name and the first two letters of her last name.

Almost 60 years later HeLa cells continue to be used all over the world.  It is estimated that more than one trillion cells have been grown around the world. HeLa cells have been used to develop the polio vaccine and to research and study cancer, AIDS, hemophilia, leukemia and the effects of radiation and drugs on cells. They were flown into space and tested for the effects of zero gravity on human cells. Treatments for herpes and other STD’s were developed with the use of HeLa cells.  

There is however, controversy involving HeLa cells.  When cancer cells were removed from Ms. Lacks' cervix in 1951 and given to the lab for research, the doctor did not ask for her permission nor did he tell her how her cells would be used. Labs and the medical community around the world made millions if not billions of dollars from selling, growing, shipping and the general use of her cells. Her children have not received any financial compensation. Many of the family members do not have health insurance and cannot benefit from the treatments that their mother’s cells help develop.

Henrietta Lacks was buried in an unmarked grave next to her mother in Clover, Virginia on October 4, 1951.  On May 30, 2010, a headstone was placed on her grave. Inscribed on the headstone are the words, ‘In loving memory of a phenomenal woman, wife and mother who touched the lives of many. Here lies Henrietta Lacks (HeLa).  Her immortal cells will continue to help mankind forever. Eternal love and admiration from your family.” 

PICTURES: Top L: Henrietta Lacks. Top R: Grave marker. Second Row: Family Cemetery. Third Row L: HeLa cells. Third Row R: Street on which Henrietta lived. Fourth Row L: Four-room wood plank family home Henrietta lived in and also former slave quarters. Fifth Row R: Historical marker dedicated on July 29, 2011.

SOURCES:

Books

Skloot, Rebecca. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Crown Publishers, 2010. Print.

Internet

Batts, Denise Watson. "After 60 Years of Anonymity Henrietta Lacks has a Headstone." HamptonRoads.com, 30 May 2010. Web. 4 Aug. 2011.   

"Henrietta Lacks’ Legacy Recognized with Virginia Historical Highway Marker." RebeccaSkloot.com, 22 Aug. 2011. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Hudson, Tiffany. "Marker Recognizes Clover Woman's CSntribution to Science." Gazette Virginian Halifax County and South Boston VA, 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 27 Oct. 2011.

Movies

Adam Curtis. Dir. BBC, 1998. Web. topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-way-of-all-flesh/. Film.

Site Visit

Cemetery and Gravesite. Clover, VA 6 Aug. 2010.

Home Visit. Clover, VA. 29 Oct. 2011.

Street Sign. Clover, VA. 29 Oct. 2011.

Historical Marker. Clover, VA. 29 Oct. 2011.

INTERRED: Family Cemetery, Clover, Virginia

SUBMITTED: September 2, 2010. Picture of grave marker, family cemetery, street sign, family home and historical marker pictures taken October 29, 2011.