Full Name
Henrietta Lacks (born Loretta Lynch)[1]
Date of Birth
December 1, 1920[1][2]
Date of Death
October 4, 1951[1][2]
Place of Birth
Roanoke, Virginia, United States[1][2]
Spouse’s Name
- Not available
Children’s Names
- Not available
Known Affiliates Names
- Johns Hopkins Hospital (patient)[5]
Affiliated Organizations’ Names
- HeLa cells (source)[1]
Legacy
Henrietta Lacks was an American woman whose cancer cells, known as HeLa cells, have been widely used in medical research since the 1950s[1][2]. HeLa cells were the first human cell line to be able to reproduce indefinitely, making them a valuable resource for researchers[4]. Lacks’ cells have contributed to numerous scientific advancements, including the development of the polio and COVID-19 vaccines[5]. However, her cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, raising important bioethical issues and leading to changes in legal protections for research subjects[5]. Henrietta Lacks’ legacy is celebrated through various institutions, including the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, which supports individuals and families who have contributed to scientific research without their knowledge or consent[3].
Citations: [1] https://historyofvaccines.org/blog/legacy-henrietta-lacks-and-her-immortal-cell-line/ [2] https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/10/13/default-calendar/henrietta-lacks-recognizing-her-legacy-across-the-world [3] https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/the-stolen-legacy-of-henrietta-lacks/ [4] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks/immortal-life-of-henrietta-lacks [5] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henrietta-lacks