IB BIOLOGY- 11 (copy)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Part 1: LIFE

Chap 1 - The Exam (13)

Henrietta’s Tumour

In January 29th of 1951, during Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement, David Lacks with his 3 children took his wife Henrietta Lacks to John’s Hopkins hospital to be tested by the gynecologist. Henrietta sensed the urgent necessity of this visit as she felt a “knot” inside her womb or uterus. At first the pains occurred during physical engagement with her husband— leading her to believe that the pains resulted from any STDs her husband brought home, or from childbirth of Deborah. Soon she realized that wasn’t the case and she explained to her cousins Sadie and Margaret. The pair couldn’t understand a suggested that Henrietta (Hennie) was pregnant once more, or had an ectopic pregnancy. Although the idea of something being “wrong,” did come across, everyone was fearful in mentioning cancer, and Hennie didn’t want her womb removed. A week from the discussion with her cousins, Henrietta became pregnant, and thus her pains were being blamed on her pregnancy. After the birth of baby Joseph, Henrietta found herself bleeding, when it “wasn’t her time,” and a trip to a—still segregated hospital— John Hopkins confirmed her suspicions.

Chap 2 - Clover (18)

Henrietta’s Early Life

Henrietta Lacks was born in Roanoke, Virginia on August 1, 1920 as Loretta Pleasant. Henrietta shared a small shack-house with her parents and eight siblings until in 1924, her mother, Eliza Lacks Pleasant died giving birth to her tenth child. Henrietta’s father Johnny Lacks, unable to and unwilling to take care of his children, took them all to Clover, Virginia. There (in Clover), the children were divided up amongst various aunts, and uncles— Henrietta ended up with her grandfather, Tommy Lacks. Tommy was also raising another child at the time, David (Day) Lacks. The young cousins had a harsh childhood, waking up at four in the mornings to tend to the animals, and bearing the heat, also none of them able to finish schooling! They worked tirelessly on their grandfather’s tobacco farm and would join him in the tobacco markets for the sale of his product. While the white men who attended got comfy lofts, they slept near the stalls of the animals, on a pile of their unsold tobacco leaves. As the kids got older they no longer played ring-around-the-rosy together, instead, the boys would race horses, always fighting over Charlie (horse) while the girls cheered them on from the side. Hennie often cheered for Day but sometimes for Crazy Joe, who was— well, crazy in love with Hennie. Although Henrietta and “Crazy Joe” dated for a short period of time, Hennrietta and David (Day) ended up having their first child when they were 14 and 19 respectively. Soon after, As the war came about circa 1938-1945, and thier tobacco wasn’t selling as it once was, Henrietta and the whole Lacks Town was working day and night to simply feed themselves, it seemed hopeless. One afternoon, Fred Garret, thier cousin returned from Sparrow’s Point, one of the largest steel plants in the world. He convinced Day to come too, and to bring his family once he’d made enough money to get settled. And so they did exactly that, so many times Henrietta had seen a train passing by on Main, but never did she imagine leaving her life behind and taking one too.

Chap 3 - Diagnoisis and Treatment (27)

Telinde and Gey take without asking— samples of Henrietta’s tumour and Cervix.

Henrietta’s Lab results came back, and though she tested positive for “Epirermoid carcinoma of the cerix, stage I,” she kept to herself. Without worry, and especially without worrying others she independently addressed the sitution by going to the hospital once more to get treated. At the time she was seen an extremely reputable doctor, especially in the specialization of gynecology and cervical cancer, Richard Wesley Telinde, was on a mission to prove his method and approach of curing cancers accurate. He wanted to minimize unessecary hysterectomies, and prove that carcinoma in situ should be treated with the same agressiveness as invasive carcinomas by collecting samples showing thier simmilarity. And he did collect samples, however, without the patients knowledge. Many docters of the era believed it was perfectly fine, and that patients of a public ward owed it to them. Telinde worked with George Gey(head of tissue culture and Research department) and his Wife Margaret, who were determined to find the first immortal human cells. As Henrietta went to John Hopkins again, in hopes of getting treated, she ended up fulfilling both thier goals. And so she started treatment with Radium, discovered recently by Marie Curie, and brought back to the U.S by Howard Kelly. Studies, one of them conducted by Howard Jones, had shown that Radium treatment was more effective and safer than surgical procedures for cervical cancer.

Chap 4 - The Birth of HeLa: (34)

The first immortal cells!

Gey was a an inventive and curious spirit. Born in 1899 George Gey was raise in Pittsburgh, and his home overlooked a steel mill. His family lived modestly and so he paid his way through University working as a carpenter and stone mason— skills he used later to construct multiple labs for his experiments. Upon attending medical school he began experimentation, creating prototypes of inventions using anything he could get his hads on. Even though he excelled not only academically, but also creatively as he figured out a way to record a process—mitosis slow as the growth of a plant and invisible to the naked eye, he struggled to pay for school, completing it in 8 years. His wife Margaret having nursing experience balanced out Gey’s inventive curiosity, with precision and more technical aspects of the lab making her the “backbone of the lab”- (Skloot 39) Together the pair opened thier first lab up in John Hopkins, practically building the entire thing themselves. Mary had been hired as an assistant, she ws 21 years old, and Gey had hire her for her stabillity, mainly the dexterity of her hands that could withstand hours of focused lab work. She was eating lunch when she handed two dishes, upon viewing them she wante to laugh, it was hopeless, hunreds of samples, the same routine and NO result— how would this be different? Regardless of her sentiment, she moved on to complete the lengthy process which involved sterilizing (the room and equipment), cutting, mixing the samples etc. Although Henrietta’s cells (HeLa) survived for a couple of days, it was no surprise, most cells did, however when they surpassed a certain timeframe—then, and only the was Gey confident that these cells, HeLa immortal.

Chap 5 - Blackness Be Spreading All Inside (43)

The Effects of Radioactive Treatment

Henrietta had no idea about her immortal cells, no idea that the Gey’s had a sample in the first place. She’d went home after her treatment, and everything was well— normal. Even if she had felt ill, she’d never let anyone know and only under extreme circumstances did she reveal it to her cousins more than a month later! She cooked, cleaned, played, took care of her children, almost, like always— only thing that was Elsie, her eldest daughter thought to have been “touched” by God! Elsie was non-verbal, except for some intelligible speechAs she continued her radium treatments, it was soon time for her to move onto x-ray treatments for which she would have to come on all weekdays for a month, and do so evading her husband and raising suspicion— that’s when she first enlisted her cousins’ for aid, both to rive her and to look after her children. The radioactive treatment was weakening Hennie, and left a patch of “coal-black” darkened skin. Dark skin as a side effect was the least of her worries, she hadn’t been properly informed that if she went through with this procedure she will lose her fertility, the doctors failed to make known this invaluable piece of information.

Chap 6 - Lady’s on the Phone (49)

The first call with Deborah

Nearly eleven years after Rebecca Skloot, the author, had learned about the HeLa and more importantly about the black woman behind this invaluble discovery— Henrietta— she stumbled on something intersting. The perfect gift for her twenty-seventh birthday she found a collection of papers called the “The HeLa Cancer Control Symposium” in Atlanta. This Symposium had been organized in one of the oldest historically black colleges by Roland Patillo, one of George Gey’s only African-American mentees. Upon trying to connect with him and discussing her aim to write a book about Henrietta, Patillo sensed negative intentions, and recognized that Rebecca wasn’t fully aware of the responsibility and work of contacting the Lacks family. For an hour endless questions ensued, to test the intentions, and awareness of Rebecca. And when he was convinced, he allowed himself to be looser, and to state how her timing was “intersting,” as he was just about to organize the next HeLa confrence. Regardless, they were both in good spirits and had bonded, Patillo was willing to share: “Deborah is Henrietta’s baby girl he said.” (Skloot 51) He continued on, stating how Deborah is now fifty with children and grandchildren too, and how everyone calls her Dale. How Day (David Lacks), Henrietta’s Husband is still alive, and how noone understood it then but Elsie was epliptic. He went on recalling how Elsie died shortly after her mother, and that Deborah is the only sister left.. and not doing so well either— with the stress and burden caused by these cells. All of a sudden he wasn’t so ready to put her in contact with Deborah, but he’d turn around three days later.

After being given a list of Do’s and Don’ts in handn(courtesy of Patillo), Rebecca sat ready yet anxious to call Deborah. She called and as Dale (Deborah) picked up Rebecca blurted out how excited she is, and how she called to write about her mother— she had to stop herself when Dale replied with a “Huh?” reminding Rebecca that she had to speak really slow for her to understand. But once she did, Dale and Rebecca really hit it off, she was really excited to have her mother properly represented. Dale shared all she could, only her speaking the rest of the call— talks of life, memories, questions in no chronological or particular order. So enthusiastically she had talked with Rebecca during the first call, and when on monday they called again, Dale was a different person. She mumbled quietly how her brothers, “say I shoud write my own book. But I ain’t a writer. I’m sorry.” (Skloot 54)

Chap 7 - Death and Life of Culture Cells (56)

HeLa’s TV Debut!

3 weeks after Henrietta started radiation therapy, part of her— literally— was accompanying George Gey as he appeared on WAAN television for a special show devoted to his work in Culture Cells. He explained to viewers what cells are, how “5000 of them can fit on the head of pin” and “How normal cells become cancerous is still a mystery.” He pointed at diagrams and pictures, and films of cancer cells before he finally introduced his greatest contribution to the scientific community— a pint-sized bottle, probably filled with HeLa cells. He went on to explain how these cancerous cells can be used to conduct research and develop treatments. Already the cells had travelled around the globe, from Amsterdam to India and to Chile in the saddles of a mule. Although modern technology allows for biological material to easily be transported, at the time such a feat had never been undertaken and so oftentimes tubes were kept in the pockets of pilots to keep at boy temperature , or special equipment and boxes would be designed with ice to host the test tubes in the cargo section of the plane. The reason that these cells were so important and special are many, but not limited to their immortality. One main factor is that scientists could now experiment on cancerous cells that could not be possible on a human. Despite the popularity and widespread usage of HeLa cells, George Gey didn’t make any mention of Henrietta Lacks during his TV appearance. And even if he did, it wouldn’t matter, because by now the public refused to believe any longer in the promises of cell culture, and instead of being a medical miracle it was starting to shape something more fictitious. This occurred partly due to French surgeon, eugenicist, and Nobel prize-winner Alexis Carrel who aimed to grow organs used in transplants. Although he also invented a life-saving suturing technique for coronary bypasses, eventually earning him a Nobel prize, all his intentions weren’t so humane. He didn’t believe that all humans were equal, and reserved his ideas of organ transplantation and life extension for the “superior white race”, in fact he praised Hitler for taking “energetic measures” to rid the world of what he believed the less intelligent, the poor, and the non-white. Regardless of his political sentiments, when he separated chicken heart cells, and found that they kept alive and beating, he claimed to have grown the “first immortal chicken heart”. At first many believed his chicken heart was an innovation of the century, and celebrated it every year— soon however, it was found out that it had been fake. Whether purposely or not, Carrell had been replacing dead cells with live cells found within the culture medium, and died whilst awaiting trial for assisting the Nazis, so the world had every reason to grow distrust.

Chap 8 - A Miserable Specimen (63)

In June of 1951, Henrietta had repeatedly expressed feelings of her cancer growing and spreading, but the doctors concluded nothing was wrong, and would write in her chart, “The patient states that she feels fairly well.” As an African-American woman, in a segregated Hospital, she always accepted what her doctors stated, much like most patients during the 1950s she was uninformed about many things happening to her own body, as doctors didn’t want to scare their patients with unfamiliar terminology. And at that point in time segregation was law, discrimination was rampant, and most patients were just glad to receive treated. During her next visit she complained of the ache, except on both sides— her chart read the same. Two weeks later her abdomen hurt so much where relieving herself felt impossible, so a visit to Hopkins allowed a doctor to equip her with a catheter, which although helpful didn’t address the root of the problems. Just 3 days later a “hard lumpy mass” was discovered and deemed inoperable. Until that point only Sadie, Margaret and Day knew of her sickness. Suddenly it was as if everyone knew. She couldn’t walk, and her sister Gladys came from Lack’s town to be with her sister although they were never close. Boys from the mills gathered to donate blood for transfusions, when doctors declared that Henrietta had already had so many. “They didn’t realize she was dying” (65) Even in these situations Hennie never lost spirt only her eyes would give it away— that they were slowly losing her, that she was slowly fading. At first the children would visit her in the hospital, soon she couldn’t handle it and they’d talk to her from a window. Eventually she lost all strength even to pull herself to the window. All attempts were made to ease her pain from Morphine, Demoran, and even pure alcohol injections into the spine. The doctors were stumped, and Henrietta defeated. There was never any record of Gey visting Henrietta in the hospital.

Chap 9 -Turner Station (67)

David Lacks had finally started call back and agree to meet. So Rebecca drove all the way from Pittsburgh to Baltimore to do just that. The plan was to page Sonny or (David Lacks Jr.), so that he could pick her up and take her to his brother’s house. She dialed but unfortunately— no reply. She found herself in the same situation as the first reporter to contact the Lackses— checked into the Holiday Inn, staring at the gothic-style building with BROMOSELTZER spelt out in large letters. As well she grabbed a copy of the Baltimore phone book and traced her finger down to L’s, finding all those who have the last name Lacks. Then she found a newspaper that stated Henrietta’s Turner Station address. In most maps turner station was covered with as or magnified images of certain areas. Eventually, she found her way to Speed’s Grocery. Around the store, a cluster of men who all claimed to be Speed’s sons— she treated everyone like she did her biological children. Inside Mama (Courtney) Speed and Rebecca had discussed her trip here, and the “four-map syndrome”— an effort to erase or shift the existence of certain areas and populations. Ms. Speed asked if Mr. Cofield had sent Rebecca, and she replied saying she’d never heard of him, and that she came here on her own. Ms. Cofield hesitated to share any information without the approval of the Lacks family. She asked Rebecca to follow her to the library where she retrieved a tape. She discussed how Henrietta’s story has “gotta be told,” and how they have been working to create a museum in her honor. After getting the tape they went into a small beauty parlor and Ms.Speed left Rebecca to carefully review the footage in the tape. The tape was a sixty-minute BBC documentary that covered details of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells. Watching this documentary allowed Rebecca to realize, contacting Henrietta’s husband and children wasn’t the only option— she needed to try contacting her cousins!

Chap 10 - The Other Side of The Tracks (77)

Driving into Lacks Town, Rebecca observed a variety of things, she noticed lines of shacks that formed a somewhat sea of colors. The stood in contrast to some colonial-era cabins, that likely housed enslaved people. On her third or fourth pass, an elderly man in a bold greed sweater waved to aid and guide her, asking “You lost?” She explained that she wasn’t lost, and found out the man ( who introduced himself as Cootie— really Hector Henry,) was Henrietta’s first cousin. Cootie received his nickname when he contracted polio, leaving him dependent on an Iron lung for an entire year— and partially paralyzed with nerve pain indefinitely. Cootie invited her inside his humble abode, most of it a labor of love built by his very hands. And although he was paralyzed he undertook many construction projects within his house. He rummaged for a newspaper with some information detailing more about Henrietta’s situation while he explained that her cells were sold all around the world, but at no profit to her family. Cootie recalled Hennie’s friendly and selfless demeanor, along with putting others before her she never made a fuss, even when she was in pain—she never expressed it, simply to save others the trouble of worrying. She illustrated how she was always smilin’ and happy. Cootie exclaimed, how was it that she was dead, but her cells were still living? His explanation— “man-made,” or voodoo (spirit-made.) Cootie shared his encounters with spirits, describing in detail a headless-hog, with chain around its neck, dancing in the wind. IT had to be sprit-cancer because according to Hector, “Regular cancer don’t keep on growing after a person die.”

Chap 11 - The Devil of Pain Itself (83)

September of 1951, Hennrietta’s body was flooded with tumors, they were invasive growing on her diaphragm, her lungs, her bladder. Her belly had swollen up as if she was six months pregnant. And due to improper function of her kidneys, she needed blood transfusions periodically, in fact she received so much that they (the doctors) denied her any more after a while, stating to stop the transfusions until “deficit with the blood bank was made up.” Her body couldn’t filter the toxins out of her body, and her own blood became poison if she went without transfusion for too long. Realizing this and the health of family and friend, many young men from Sparrows Point came ready to donate. After all, this was nothing to make up for the time, the home-cooked meals, comfort and warmth that Henrietta met these boys with when they first arrived. Henrietta had lost a lot of weight, shrinking from 140 pounds to a mere 100. She became slightly awake and asked what everyone was doing there, to which they replied that they were there to “get her better.” Suddenly she convulsed with pain, and later many recalled it was the most painful thing they’ve seen, like the “devil of pain himself” had “possessed” Henrietta. Soon after the visit of Emmett Lacks, Henrietta's cousin and other men from the Mill, Henrietta awoke certain of her impending death, and wanted Gladys to assure her husband takes good care of her children.

Henrietta died that night, at 12:15 a.m. on October 4, 1951.

Part I: Summary

Henrietta Lacks, was a Black woman born Loretta Pleasant in Roanoke, Virginia in 1920, and grew up in Clover, Virginia after her mother died and her father was unable to care for his children. Raised by her grandfather, she worked on a tobacco farm, sharing a close bond with her first cousin David (Day) Lacks, with who she would have her first child at 14. The hardships of rural life were only a glimmer to what would come later.

In 1951, Henrietta visited Johns Hopkins Hospital, sensing something was wrong with her body. Despite the societal and racial barriers of the time, she pursued medical help, though she kept her concerns private. The doctors diagnosed her with "epidermoid carcinoma of the cervix, stage I," and began treatment with radium, but Henrietta was unaware that samples of her tumor and cervix were taken without her consent. These cells, later known as HeLa cells, would become immortal, thriving in culture and leading to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

George Gey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins, played a crucial role in cultivating these cells. His inventive spirit and determination, alongside his wife Margaret's precision, helped establish the first lab dedicated to tissue culture. However, Henrietta's contributions went unrecognized, even as Gey displayed the HeLa cells on television, emphasizing their scientific importance without mentioning her name.

Meanwhile, Henrietta’s health deteriorated rapidly. The radium treatments left her in severe pain, with darkened skin and a loss of fertility—information the doctors failed to communicate. Despite the agony, Henrietta continued her life as best as she could, caring for her children and hiding her suffering until it became unbearable. By June 1951, her cancer had spread aggressively, and she was admitted back to the hospital, where she endured unimaginable pain as tumors pervaded her body.

Henrietta’s story, however, did not end with her death. Years later, her daughter Deborah would grapple with the legacy of HeLa cells, caught between the hope for understanding her mother's story and the pain of exploitation, suffering mentally and physically to find the answers. Journalists and scientists sought out the Lacks family, each interaction revealing more about Henrietta's life and the profound impact of her immortal cells, which had been used worldwide for research without the family's knowledge or compensation. This exploitation, along with the racial and social inequalities of the time, shaped the life of Henrietta Lacks.

Part I: Personal Reaction

Henrietta Lacks' story deeply resonates with me, stirring a mix of awe and discomfort. There are many topics being discussed, scientific discovery, family, recognition, society, race etc.—each of which evokes a seperate emotion. On one hand, the HeLa cells derived from her have undeniably propelled scientific progress, saving countless lives. Yet, the way her cells were taken—without consent, without acknowledgment—feels like a profound violation of her humanity. It’s unsettling to realize how her contributions were celebrated while she and her family were left in the shadows, deprived of the respect, compensation and dignity they deserved. As well, acknowldeging the stark disparities in medical care, and in all aspects of living, the question arises, “Would Henrietta have lived longer, or been taken better care of had she been a white woman? Or perhaps a white man?” Regardless, it is undeniable that, thier were several “wrongs” commited both against her and her family and thus this narrative forces me to reflect on the ethical responsibilities we bear in the pursuit of knowledge, especially when those most vulnerable are involved. It’s a stark reminder that scientific advancement should never come at the cost of human rights, and that we must strive to correct the injustices of the past while ensuring they’re never repeated. Henrietta Lacks was more than just a source of cells; she was a woman, a mother, a sister, a wife. She was a human being whose legacy demands not just recognition but a commitment to ethical integrity in all areas of research. And we must attribute the advancements in medicine and science, the lives successfully saved not only to scientists such as George Gey, and Mary Kubicek but also to Henrietta and those like her.

Part 2: Death

Chapter 12 -The Storm (89)

Saying bye to Henrietta!

Although there wasn’t any obituary for Henrietta’s death, word made its way around—and in many it evoked sadness, the loss of a loved one; George Gey, however, saw it as an oppurtunity to conduct an autopsy and retrieve more samples. Although many doctors took samples from living patients without hesitation, because there weren’t any laws preventing them from doing so, taking samples from patients posthumously—was a different story. When the hospital had orginally called and asked Day for an autopsy, he straightout stated no. However, when he visited the Hopkins Hospital to see Hennrietta’s body and sign some paperwork, he was convinced that tests from an autopsy may help his children someday, and so he allowed an partial autopsy. Gey, Dr. Wilbur, and Mary Kubicek (Gey’s assistant) had prepared, making small incisions to collect samples of her kidney, vagina, ovaries, and even preserved bits of her cervix in formaldyhyde. Upon the autopsy Henrietta’s official cause of death was stated to be: terminal uremia. Mary recollected her first time seeing a dead body, Henrietta’s dead body—having to control herself as to not faint. She felt uneasy, and upon glimpsing Henrietta’s chipped toe polish, it struck her that she was a human. Mary couldn’t help but imagine her life, it all seemed personal now, and had a greater gravity. A few days from the autopsy, Henrietta was carried in a pine box— the best the family could afford, when it started raining it seemed as if even nature wouldn’t let Henrietta rest. Sadie also noticed Henrietta’s polish, how she’d always say she’d “die before letting it chip up.” Hennrietta must of been in the worst pain known to man.

Chapter 13 - The HeLa Factory (93)

Around 1951, the world faced an unprecedented polio epidemic spread. Due to this rampant virus, schools shut down, panic stirred, and demands were being made for a vaccine. About a year later, in February 1952, Jonas Stalk of Pennsylvania, had revealed he had curated a vaccine for this deadly strain of polio, however it couldn’t be released for public usage without human trials— to prove it was safe and effective. This would be difficult as this it required neutralization tests, in short, very costly. So they turned to HeLa, hoping and praying that the cells were susceptible to the polio virus. And because they were, plans were set into motion to mass-produce HeLa cells. A factory would be set up, and methods for shipping cell culture would be developed as well. The first factory was set up at the Tuskegee Institute, a historically black university. The location was chosen strategically to provide thousands of dollars in funding, and to create both learning and job opportunities for black young scientists. Now there was another small issue, although everyone was using the same HeLa cells, they were using different home-made culture mediums, and different glassware which may provide different results. To combat this, factories selling standardized pre-made culture medium formulas sprang up, and the best glassware and tools were decided upon through thorough investigation. Using HeLa, scientists aimed to clone— and no not the sci-fi idea of human cloning, or the later achieved example of Dolly the first “lab grown animal,”—but simply clone individual cells. By doing this they could harness unique traits present within certain cells. Scientists were able to use this research to greatly expand the field of human genetics. In one way that occurred is by aiding in disproving a common misconception of the time: that humans had 48 chromosomes, instead of the factual number we now know as 46. Due to this discovery, scientists were now easily able to catch any genetic disorders that may include extra or missing chromosomes, such as Down syndrome and Turner syndrome, respectively. HeLa was so impactful, that two men, Samuel Reader and Monroe Vincent partnered up, realizing the potential market of live culture, they started the first for-profit cell “factory” and sparked the growth of an multibillion-dollar industry of human and biological materials. Although Gey should’ve been proud, in fact, elated with his contribution to science and people’s obsession he felt the quite opposite. He claimed that the obsession with the HeLa line, detracted with his original idea of trying to immortalize other cultures, and those he had successfully grown, never received as much attention as HeLa.

Chapter 14 - Helen Lane (105)

The woman behind the cells?

After some time, people grew fascinated with the idea that behind such a revoultionary find— was a woman, an ordinary human, maybe? They wondered how a woman’s cell could’ve lived so long and in that respect the woman from which the cells came held a certain respect and value, people were naturally gravitated towards this question: Who was He.. La..? Many people knew Henrietta’s name, making it nearly impossible to keep private, but Gey and his fellow scientists made great efforts, regardless. On November 2, 1953 a publication known as the Minneapolis Star leaked her name as Henrietta Lakes. Close, veryy close, however it would go on to create lots of confusion. Not soon after the publication, everyone wanted in on the action, and so they would reach out to Gey. He however would repeatedly express his desire of wanting to withold the name of the patient— and that became a point of discussion as most writers reached out for that specific detail, a name. They were motivated to show the more “human” side of the story. Not only were scientists conducting quantitative reasearch using her cells, but highlighted now was the idea that there is a woman, a human just like all of them with a story— a qualitative aspect of research that needed to be shared. When one writer Berg gave up, another one picked up at the previous point, to write a story about the woman behind the cells— and was again met with the defensive stance. However, this time a story went through, with a few innaccuracies, one being that HeLa stood for Helen L., and the other being her cells were taken posthumously not without consent during a doctor’s visit. Her name would change as it appeared in media, on-screen for decades sometimes HeLa was Helen Lane, others Helen Larson and never Henrietta Lacks. Because of the misrepresentation and false information, the Lacks family had not a clue that thier mother’s cells were alive to this day.

Chapter 15 - Too Young to Remember (111)

Lack’s children childhood.

After Henrietta’s death, family gathered to help cook and care for the grieving children (although Deborah and Joe were probably to young to entirey understand thier situation,) and amongst the dozens of those who came to thier aid, one accidentally did the opposite. It is unknown who but a family member had passed on tuberculosis or TB and within weeks of Henrietta’s passing, all the children had tested positive for it. Day Henriettas’ husband worked two jobs, and Lawrence the oldest brother dropped out to care for his siblings. Lawrence had created a fake voters registration card to get into a pool hall, and it worked against him, as drafting age was lowered to eighteen and a half ( due to the Korean War) he was drafted to the army— leaving his siblings with no caretaker. Cue, Ethel. None of the Lack’s children really begged the question of what had happened to thier mother, as far as they knew, one day she was here— and the other she wasn’t. In thier place they got Ethel, who in Henrietta’s wake raised her children. Although she constantly beat the children, gave them scanty food portions, and especially tormented the youngest Joe, noone questioned her simply because she was the adult. And while they were undergoing this abuse and torment, Lawrence was wholly unaware and had married Bobette Cooper. Soon when they did find out about Ethel and her cruel behaviour, Bobette volunteered to provide a loving home for all of Henrietta’s children. Although Ethel’s tyrannical abuse was over, Galen countinued to beat and molest Deborah, until one day she’d had enough and stood her ground, refusing to get into the car with Galen. And then she seek help in Bobbette, she asked her what pregenant meant and explained to her what Galen had done, leaving some details as to not get both the people she loved most in trouble. Bobette stressed to Deborah the importance of an education and explained to deborah that she had to continue hers. Deborah was very curious and inquisitive, she wanted to know of her sister and her mother, usually her questions weren’t met with the best clarfying answers. She learned however that she did have a sister, could only worry because she knew without her voice a way of expressing herself, Elsie couldn’t have protected herself from the things that Deborah so diffcultly warded off. She lied awake crying an wondering.

Chapter 16 - Spending Eternity in The Same Place (118)

When Rebecca had first visited Cootie (Hector Henry) he had suggested that she visit Cliff, Henrietta’s cousin who was practically her brother. Cliff had heard she was writing a book on Henrietta’s life and wanted to show her, her resting place. On thier way thier he gestured to a old cabin, and stated that was once Henrietta’s home that she kept neat and tidy and made it feel like a home, but now it was beaten up and unrecognizable. Some cows had trodden all over the house and left behind hoof-prints and manure. After a quick tour of the house, they made thier way to the cemetery, first visiting the grave of Eliza Pleasant, Henrietta’s mother. And although Henrietta never got a marker, only immediate family could be buried next to Eliza, so any of the body-shaped indents could’ve been her! Upon realizing that Eliza died in 1924, Rebecca realized that Henrietta, muchlike Deborah, never spent much time with her mother or knew much about her. Cliff found the idea of slave-owning white Lackses being buried under thier black ancestors/kin beautiful. They are together for eternity now, enough time to sort thier problems, he’d state. Rebecca then went to visit Carlton and Ruby, the oldest white Lackses in Clover and distant cousins of Henrietta. Carlton and Ruby had been married a long time, and had for sure more than one hundred children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren combined. When Rebecca mentioned Henrietta, Ruby stated, “Well, that was colored.” And when Rebecca continued that she wanted to learn both about the black and white Lackses, they replied that they never “mixed” like they do now. And when asked how they were relate to the black Lackses, they replied that the black Lackses were simply descendents of slave thier grandfather owned. Gladys had a different perspective, although they live mere miles away and shared the same last name, she hadn’t heard of them. But she stated, “black and white is kin.”

Chapter 17 - Illegal, Immoral, and Deplorable (127)

Is cancer viral?

As HeLa contiued spreading like wildfire in labratories everywhere, scientists couldn’t help but wonder if HeLa cells could infect the scientists working with them? It was very valid question, rats grew tumours when injected with HeLa, the same could very well occur with humans. And HeLa was everywhere, so researchers were breathing air that may be “contaminated,” eating lunch at lab tables, and there were hygeine issues as well. Chester Southam in particular was worried, most scientists of the time believed that cancer was caused by either a virus or weak immune systems, so Southam made it his misson to test those theories! He injected HeLa cells into cancer patients and healthy volunteers (inmates) to test thier immune responses— at least that’s what he told them. It only took hours for reactions to occur for the cancer patients, red, swollen arms. And after a couple of days nodules would take shape. In most patients Southam succsessfully removed the cancerous nodules, or they went away on thier own— only in one case did the cancer spread into the patient’s lymph nodes. As time passed he injected at least six hundred people, and he’d explain to patient that he was testing them for cancer— he really believed he was too as those with cancer would respond to HeLa differently/slower than those without. He’d later testify that foriegn and “scary” words like cancer would be met with phobia and ignorance and thus didn’t needed to be disclosed. Disclosure agreements were later decided upon, that a patient has a right to know what will be happening to his or her body, allowing them to make the best decision. Be it out of fear or ignorance, it would be an informed decision and that mattered most before consenting. Parallel’s’ were drawn between Southam’s research and Nuremberg trials— in which seven Nazi doctors were hanged for unthinkable research on Jews, Jehovah’s witnesses, and all those who didn’t meet thier standards. Regardless from this trial which took place 16 years priopr to Southam’s research, a code of medical integrity and a list of reccomendations arose. It wasn’t, however, law and thus doctors ignored it beliving it only applied to barbarians like the Nazis. Southam was only one of several who was practicing unethically as revealed in a study by Henry Beecher.

Chapter 18 - Strangest Hybrid (137)

HeLa was strong, was robust— at this point the cells were even is space both in U.S and Russian crafts. People kept experimenting, whether that be undertanding how cancerous an non-cancerous cells behave in space, or trying to create skin transplants which— spoiler alert— Failed! Some new discoveries were made, one major one was that all cells grown in culture either died, or became cancerous after a certain amount of time. This excited scientist at first, they would be able find out exactly when regular cells turn cancerous. And for some scientists who were using these cells to develop medical therapies it was disasterous. It was later found out, because once the all cells became cancerous, they behaved identically.. that all HeLa was contaminating samples. Then fearful of contamination and wanting to preserve scientific findings, a Cell Culture Collection Committee establishe a “cell bank,” which would keep test, catalogue, and store cell cultures in secure and sterile envirornments. There was a new thing that attracted many that was nicknamed “cell sex”. It was a process called somatic cell fusion, and it involved the clumping of certain viruses, which would allow genetic material from both to combine. This technique was important due to the speed at which cells reproduce, that is, very fast! If they wanted to study genetics and hereditatary traits, instead of waiting generations to wait for results on human subjects, they could simply take cells with traits they want to study and combine them to see how the genetic material passes along. Scientists, Henry Harris and John Watkins took this process further and fused HeLa cells with mouse cells the first (animal- human hybrids). They also fused HeLa with chicken cells that lost thier abillity to reproduce, and as per thier theory, something within HeLa regulated certain genes and brought that abillity back. Although scientists were making strides, headlines that read “ MAN-ANIMAL CELLS AR BED IN LAB..” terrified the general public, and gave cell culture a bad rep.

Chapter 19 - The Most Critical Time on This Earth is Now (145)

At sixteen, as a junior in highschool, Deborah got pregnant with her first child. She dropped out of school for a while, but Bobette warned her not to get “too comfortable, ” and that she needed to graduate highschool. When Deborah asked how she could go to school “all big,” Bobette signed her up for a special school just for young moms. In november, Deborah gave birth to Alfred Jr. named after his father, Alfred “Cheetah” Carter. Bobbette was a big support, whether or not Deborah realized. Bobbette would pack her school lunches, take care of the baby and help Deborah get her first job after graduation. Meanwhile Deborah’s older brothers were doing relatively well— except for Joe, that is. Joe constantly fought, and argued with teachers, he joined the millitary that didn’t set him straight either. A week after Joe returned from the millitary a neighborhood boy name Ivy threatened him with a knife, Joe ignored him. Then one day 3 months later, Ivy saw Joe and June talking to some girls. Ivy yelled that one of the girls was his cousin and that they should stop messing with her. June yelled back, and Joe tried to intervene to calm them down. But Ivy beat Joe up, choking him and left him bloody. But Ivy should’ve known better than to anger Joe, as he ended up stabbing him. Although at first he tried to hide away, eventually he wanted to turn himself in and plead guilty. Joe claimed that it was the alcohol that made him do it. That he reallly just wanted to injure Ivy so that Ivy couldn’t kill Joe as he’d promised, Joe stated, he was just protecting himself. In prision Joe reinvented himself, and looked inward as he found the Qur’an. He found faith to guide him, and he changed his name to Zakariyya Bari Abdul Rahman. Things for his siblings were going well too, Sonny had been honorably discharged from the Airforce and Lawrence had a steady job. Deborah the only sister, got married at eighteen in Lawrence’s living room! Things with Cheetah went downhill, as he did drugs, and would abuse her, leaving her with no choice but to move eventually.

Chapter 20 - The HeLa Bomb (152)

A geneticist named Stanley Gartler announced during the Second Deccenial Review Confrence on Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, that there was a problem. He stated to his peers, and diverse audience that eighteen of the most commonly used cell cultures/ chains had a rare genetic marker that was found exclusively in black Americans. He stated that although we wasn’t certain of the racial origns of all cell lines he knew that at least a fraction were from Caucasions and that at least one was that of an African-American woman. As it appeared, Henrietta’s cells were contaminating the other cultures as they float through the air on dust particles. What Gartler shared was unsettling for the science community, asthey had investe time, money into conducting research using those cell cultures. If, they were all HeLa then all that time and money would’ve been wasted. Gartler suggested that might be the case, and believed that normal cells didn’t become cancerous, they were simply overtaken by HeLa. His theory debunked the idea spontaneous transformation, and it seemed as finding a cure for cancer may be impossible. Scientists needed to know where HeLa was present and where it wasn’t before they could continue on with research so they began developing a test not only for a genetic marker, but specfically the HeLa culture— eventually leading them to Henrietta’s family.

Chapter 21 - Night Doctors (159)

Two months after Rebecca initially came to visit Sonny and the Lacks family, Sonny finally showed, asking so she was Miss Rebecca. Rebecca followed him so she could get approval from “The Big Kahuna,” thier brother Lawrence. “Lawrence is the only one of us kids who remembers our mother stated Sonny.” On thier way, Sonny discussed with Rebecca what he has heard of his mother Henrietta, how her food was delicious and how she was beautiful. He recalled how what he learned about her cells HeLa, that they explained her cells were blown in up in nuclear bombs. He left Rebecca at his brother’s house only to return to to friends (Lawrence and Rebecca) sharing some pork. While they ate, Lawrence shared details from his childhood, working with tobacco y tambien. When asked about his mother, Lawrence had difficulty recalling anything, as he had blocked his teen years out of his memory due to pain. Rebecca explained Lawrence in detail what a cell is, and the significance of HeLa, how they can even grow corneas for transplants now due to the research done on her cells. Day and Bobette also introduced themselves and what they recalled of Henrietta. Evidently they had a great distrust of Hopkins Hospital, and most medical institutions. They shared with Rebecca what they believed were the “night doctors,” doctors who, kidnapped black people for research. They weren’t the only ones who believed this, black oral history has been filled with stories such as these, and they were in part reality found within the many infamous cases of racism within the medical field and unethical research conducted on African Americans. Although John Hopkins in his will specified that he desired his hospital to treat everyone equally and provide services free of cost to those who needed them, that wasn’t the case.

Chapter 22 - The Fame She so Richly Deserves (170)

It was discovered in 1970, when Gey was at the age of 71 that he had the one disease he had spent his life trying to cure— cancer. He specifically had pancreatic cancer. He wanted health for himself sure— but he was deeply invested in the idea of a GeGe cell culture line, and took a red-eye, had a medical team assembled for samples of his tumours. Unfortuantely the surgeons couldn’t deliver his request the cancer had spread, and was declared inoperable. Upon waking up and hearing the news, that there wouldn’t be a GeGe cell line, Gey was furious. He began volunteering to work with any doctor who was studying this cancer, and underwent trial treatments. George Gey was a tall man weighing 215 pounds, but under the treatments he faded quickly. Although he was struggling greatly, he made a point to live until he died, whether that meant writing letters to colleagues or showing up to lab. Although, before his death, he permitted Mary Kubicek to share Henrietta’s name, she never did. Her name did eventually get released when Howard Jones and colleagues revisited Henrietta’s diagnosis and found out that she was misdiagnosed— a common mistake at the time. They wrote that the correct diagnosis would’ve been treated simmilarly, however this explained the invasive and rapid spread of her cancer. Again thier was mention of HeLa contaminating other cell cultures.

Part II: Summary

After Henrietta Lacks’s death, her lack of an obituary did not stop the news of her passing from spreading, leaving those who knew her in mourning. George Gey, despite initial reluctance from Henrietta’s husband, Day, conducted a partial autopsy, collecting samples from Henrietta’s body. Gey’s assistant, Mary Kubicek, was deeply unsettled by the personal details of Henrietta’s chipped nail polish—which allowe her to realize that HeLa was human. Henrietta was buried in a simple pine box, and the somber rainy weather seemed to be a sign.In 1951, during a severe polio epidemic, Jonas Salk’s vaccine needed to be proven effective and safe via tirals, but most weren’t ready to volunteer. HeLa cells, discovered to be essential for these trials due to their virus susceptibility, were grown in a factory at the Tuskegee Institute, and took the place of humans and animals that would usually undergo such tests. This breakthrough led to the establishment of the first for-profit cell culture factory, revolutionizing genetic research and creating a multi-billion-dollar industry. Despite Gey’s contribution, HeLa cells overshadowed his other research, leading to a feeling of neglect.As public curiosity grew, inaccurate reports began to circulate about the woman behind the cells, with incorrect names like Helen Lane or Helen Larson. These errors clouded the true identity of Henrietta Lacks and the nature of her consent.Henrietta’s children faced numerous difficulties after her death. They were cared for by relatives, but one of them spread tuberculosis, compounding their struggles. Lawrence, the oldest, dropped out of school to care for his siblings but was later drafted into the army. Ethel, who took over their care, was abusive. Lawrence’s wife, Bobette Cooper, eventually provided a loving home, but Deborah endured trauma and abuse. Her curiosity about her mother’s legacy was met with limited answers, leaving her to grapple with her family’s complex history.Rebecca’s visit to Henrietta’s grave and former home highlighted the family's struggles and the disconnection Henrietta felt from her past. Meanwhile, HeLa cells continued to impact scientific research, with concerns about contamination leading to the creation of a Cell Culture Collection Committee. Advances in somatic cell fusion and genetic research also brought public fear.Deborah’s personal struggles were supported by Bobette, while her brothers faced their own challenges, including Joe’s transformation through faith after prison. Gey’s battle with pancreatic cancer, the very disease he aimed to cure, underscored the complexities of his scientific contributions. Despite his illness, Gey remained committed to research until his death. The eventual revelation of Henrietta’s name and the correction of cancer misdiagnoses further complicated the legacy of HeLa cells and their impact on science.

Part II: Personal Reaction

There is so much to unwravel within this section, but for the most part I simmilar mix emotions I as I did reading the first section. There is truly huge progress being made in varirous scientific fields, especially medicine thanks to HeLa, however, the lack of understanding towards patients and “subjects” as well as the insufficient regard to privacy and basic human rights that occur are atrocious. It is difficult to learn about the history of the medical field, malpractice and racism within it, especially. Knowing that surgeries were perfomed without anasthesia on people of color, when anasthesia was available, simply for research, is not only infuriating but also invokes in me a question: how can you define the ethical boundaries of research within a given field, and who has the right to determine said boundaries? There are other inhumanes aspects that are even more personal and deep. For example, Deborah grappling with the fact her sister couldn’t defend herself from the same abuse she underwent herself from Galen. And how all the Lack’s children underwent abuse from Ethel in thier formative years. It is also hurtful to see that throughout it all, thier father, tired from work wasn’t able to support them and that they had no idea of thier mother’s contributions. Although the many people have benefitted from HeLa, from the polio vaccines to the cornea transplants that Henrietta’s cell culture paved the way for, the Lack’s family didn’t—and that’s aburd. And it also makes me ask the question of autonomy, how much of yourself do you really own? As it was stated, discarded tissues if found and used for research, and whatever that research finds was made of “human ingenuity,” so the person who owns the tissues can’t sell his or her own cells, simply because a researcher patented them first. I believe thier is still a LOT of room for growth in the science and research especially in regards to rules and regulations.

Part 3: Immortality

Chapter 23 - It’s Alive (179)

The family first found out about the existence of HeLa in 1973, and in a very coincidental way. Bobette was sat with one of her friends Gardenia. Gardenia’s brother-in-law, happened to do cancer research and Bobette worked as patient aide. When he asked Bobette what her last name was, and she stated, “Lacks” he proceeded to say how she was the only other person he’d heard of with that last name except for Henrietta Lacks whose cells he’d been working with. Bobette nearly jumped out of her seat, Henrietta, that was her mother-in-law. How did he have his cells? He explained that he jsut ordered them like all scientists, this confused Bobette even more. Regardless she understood that, part of Henrietta’s alive an she phoned away. When they called Hopkins hospital for more information, Victor McKusick one of the scienctists who was working with several others towards the Human Genome Project desired to test the Lacks family, so scientists could effectively detect HeLa contamination. So Mckusick with Susan Hsu collected blood samples from the Lacks for what the family thought were cancer tests. Later it had been found out that they weren’t cancer tests, the family was uninformed of what was happening with thier samples. As well Henrietta’s medical records along with a photo were used in a medical writing, where Deborah discovered that they revealed such information without consent of close family.

Chapter 24 - Least They Can Do (190)

Micheal Rogers, a young journalist and writier for the Rolling Stone found his next story when he first heard about Henrietta Lacks, that is he under the name of Helen Lane. Regardless he was attracted by her story and made his way to Baltimore, checking into a hotel bedroom with a view of the “BROMOSELTZER” clock. He found a copy of the yellow pages—just like Rebecca— and in it found Lawrence Lacks. Although he’d expected to interview the Lacks, when he went there, he had become the interviewee. “It was so clear they hadn’t been treated well,” Micheal stated. Patiently he answered all thier questions, the best he could. Most of the Lackses were no longer as invested in HeLa as they once were, with the exception of Deborah. Later when they learned however that HeLa was being sold for $25 a vial, suddenly the brothers grew interested too. They wrote about being given thier share as Henrietta’s family, while Deborah just wished to know what her mother was like. Deborah read abou cells in an effor to learn abou the pain that her mother endured, and had a many sleepless nights due to the unimagiable mental images of suffering she’d she. She also grappled with the research scientists were conducting, as she believed HeLa cells were still sentient and part of her mothers body.

Chapter 25 - Who Told You, You Could Sell My Spleen (199)

A man named John Moore who worked on the Alaska pipline was feeling bleak, covere with bruises and experiencing bleeding gums, at first he blamed his job. It later turned out had hairy-cell leukemia that had covered his spleen entirely. He ha been reccomended to a physician and cancer reasearcher David Golde. John sucessefully underwent surgery to remove his cancerous spleen which weighed 22 pounds, 20 more than the average. Afterwards he moved and went on with life, however David Golde had made the decision to use John’s tissues to start a cell line. John had regular flights for check-ups, however after a while he decided he wanted to save the trouble travel for simple tests. To this Golde protested, and even offered free flights and hotel arrangements. Moore felt compelled to agree and do as he said, or he might risk his treatment—his life. So he listened to Golde, signed any paper he wanted. Eventually however Moore realized he was being referred to as Mo in medical papers, that he was only kept around to facillitate Golde’s research. Moore was furious, he felt his humanity hadd been stripped and he had been reduced a lab specimen—prodded and poked at the leisure of Golde. In court it was decided that Golde maintains his proprietary rights to any results from reasarch on tissues that are “left behind”, or “discarded.” And thus Moore although having cells within his body worth millions, couldn’t sell them as it would violate Golde’s patent. Scientists around the world considered this another victory, in the court and in the lab.

Chapter 26 - Breach of Privacy (208)

Deborah had expected to die when she turned thirty, the same age as her mother. But despite her fears she was alive, but exhausted working two jobs. One day, four years after divorcing Cheetah she met James Pullum, a mechanic. A year later, they married and Pullum became a Preacher. Zakkariyya only served 7 years out of 15 in his sentence when he was released from prison. He tried genuinely to support himself, however he lost jobs quickly. And he reflected a little in Deborah’s son Alfred Jr., having been arrested several times by the age of eighteen.

Chapter 27 - The Secret of Immortality (212)

Why HeLa never dies.

Researchers at the National Institute for Health (NIH) worked tirelessly to unlock the secrets of Henrietta's cells, focusing on what made them "immortal." They discovered that her cells had an unusually active version of the enzyme telomerase, which allowed them to keep dividing without aging. This discovery was crucial in understanding cancer cell behavior, but it also raised profound questions about the boundaries of ethical research and the implications of creating potentially immortal human cells.

Chapter 28 - After London (235)

After the Lacks family’s story gained international attention, journalists from around the world flocked to their doorsteps. Deborah struggled with the newfound attention and the resurfacing of painful memories about her mother. As the pressure mounted, her health deteriorated, and she became increasingly paranoid and anxious about the intentions of those seeking information about Henrietta. The emotional burden on the Lacks family is vividly portrayed as they navigated their grief and trauma in the public eye.

Chapter 29 - A Village of Henriettas (246)

Deborah and Rebecca visited Crownsville Hospital, where Elsie, Henrietta's eldest daughter, had been institutionalized and later died. They were horrified to discover that Elsie had been subjected to cruel and inhumane experiments during her time there. Through this exploration, the chapter exposes the dark history of medical experimentation on vulnerable populations, deepening Deborah’s resolve to uncover the full truth about her mother’s and sister’s lives.

Chapter 30 - Zakariyya (259)

Rebecca finally meets Zakariyya, Henrietta’s troubled son, who had been deeply affected by his mother’s death and the discovery of HeLa cells. Zakariyya’s life was filled with anger and resentment, feeling that his mother’s cells had been stolen and exploited. Despite his bitterness, he expressed a complex mixture of pride and sorrow about his mother’s legacy. The chapter emphasizes the profound psychological impact on the Lacks family, highlighting their ongoing struggle to reconcile the benefits of HeLa cells with their personal suffering.

Chapter 31 - Hela, Goddess of Death (271)

Rebecca continuedher journey with Deborah, visiting laboratories where HeLa cells are still in use. Deborah is overwhelmed by the realization of how far her mother’s cells have traveled and the extent of the research conducted using HeLa. As they interact with scientists, Deborah remains haunted by the lack of recognition for her mother and the suffering of her family, which underscores the ongoing tension between scientific progress and personal loss.

Chapter 32 - All That’s My Mother (283)

Deborah and Rebecca visit Christoph Lengauer, a researcher at Johns Hopkins, who shows them Henrietta’s cells under a microscope. For the first time, Deborah sees the cells that have been at the center of so much controversy and pain. Lengauer expresses regret for how the family was treated and acknowledges the wrongs done to Henrietta. Seeing her mother’s cells brings Deborah closer to finding peace and closure, as she begins to accept the significance of her mother’s legacy.

Chapter 33 - The Hospital for the Negro Insane (293)

Deborah and Rebecca delve into the history of Crownsville Hospital, where Elsie had been confined. They uncover documents and photographs that reveal the appalling conditions and mistreatment of patients, including Elsie. This discovery adds to Deborah's grief and anger but also fuels her determination to honor both her mother’s and sister’s memories. The chapter brings to light the deep-seated racism and exploitation in the medical field, demonstrating its lasting effects on the Lacks family.

Chapter 34 - The Return to Crownsville (305)

Deborah’s health continues to decline as the stress of her quest takes its toll. Despite her physical and emotional exhaustion, she remains steadfast in her pursuit to understand her mother’s and sister’s lives. Rebecca accompanies her to Crownsville one last time, where they reflect on the impact of the HeLa cells and the toll it has taken on the Lacks family. Through their reflections, the chapter captures the emotional and physical costs of seeking truth and justice, revealing the enduring strength of Deborah’s spirit.

Chapter 35 - Soul Cleansing (319)

Deborah becomes increasingly anxious about what she might find next in her search for the truth. She suffers from hives and extreme stress, but despite her worsening health, she remains determined to uncover everything she can about her mother and Elsie. During this time, Deborah and Rebecca have a spiritual experience where they feel a connection to Henrietta’s spirit. They both interpret this as a sign that they are on the right path, giving Deborah the strength to continue.

Chapter 36 - Heavenly Bodies (328)

Deborah’s quest leads her to question the spiritual implications of HeLa cells. She wrestles with the idea that her mother’s cells are still alive and being used in experiments around the world. Deborah grapples with her faith and the concept of her mother’s spirit being connected to the physical world through her cells. This internal struggle reveals the deep, unresolved pain Deborah feels, yet she finds some comfort in the belief that her mother’s legacy lives on in ways that are both miraculous and profound.

Chapter 37 - The Long Road to Clover (338)

As Rebecca and Deborah travel to Clover, the town where Henrietta grew up, Deborah’s health continues to deteriorate. The journey is both physically and emotionally taxing, but it allows Deborah to connect with her roots and gain a deeper understanding of her mother’s life before the HeLa cells. The trip to Clover becomes a pivotal moment for Deborah, where she begins to reconcile her feelings about her mother’s legacy and the exploitation that occurred.

Chapter 38 - The Medical Records (348)

Rebecca uncovers Henrietta’s medical records, providing a detailed account of her diagnosis and treatment at Johns Hopkins. The records reveal the harsh reality of how Henrietta was treated and the lack of informed consent in her case. Deborah is devastated by the details, but she also feels a sense of validation for her family’s suffering. The discovery of these records solidifies Deborah's belief that her mother was wronged, and she vows to continue fighting for recognition and justice.

Chapter 39 - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (357)

Rebecca reflects on the impact of Henrietta’s cells on science, medicine, and the lives of the Lacks family. She considers the ethical questions raised by the story of HeLa, as well as the ongoing debate about the rights of individuals versus the needs of scientific progress. Deborah’s journey has come full circle, as she finds some peace in knowing that her mother’s legacy will not be forgotten. Henrietta’s story, intertwined with her cells, continues to inspire discussions about ethics, consent, and the human cost of scientific advancement.

Part III Summary:

In the third part of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, the narrative uncovers the profound impact of Henrietta's cells on her family and the ethical challenges faced by the scientific community. The Lacks family, particularly Deborah, learns about the existence of HeLa cells in the early 1970s through a chance encounter. This revelation shocks them, as Henrietta's cells, which were taken without her consent, have become a cornerstone of medical research.As the Lacks family grapples with this discovery, they are confronted with the commercialization of HeLa cells and the ethical implications of their use. Deborah’s quest for understanding leads her to uncover the unsettling truth about how her mother’s cells were exploited for profit and the lack of proper compensation or acknowledgment for the family. This revelation deepens their sense of betrayal and ignites a determination to seek justice.The narrative also explores the personal struggles of individuals like John Moore, who, after his cancerous spleen was used to create a cell line, finds himself exploited by researchers. Moore’s case highlights the broader issue of tissue ownership and the ethical dilemmas surrounding biological materials in scientific research.Deborah's journey through the media spotlight, her health struggles, and her emotional turmoil underscore the heavy toll of uncovering her family’s painful history. Her visits to institutions like Crownsville Hospital reveal the dark history of medical experimentation on vulnerable populations, adding to her sense of grief and injustice.The story culminates in a reflection on the scientific and ethical questions raised by HeLa cells. The narrative shows how Henrietta’s cells, which possess the remarkable ability to remain immortal due to an active enzyme, have contributed significantly to medical research, yet also raised profound ethical concerns. Deborah’s eventual acceptance of her mother’s legacy and the acknowledgment of her suffering provide a bittersweet closure to her long and arduous quest for justice and recognition.

Part III Rxn:

In Part 3, the depth of Henrietta Lacks’s legacy becomes increasingly touching and poignant. As the Lacks family learns more about how HeLa cells were used without their consent, they face a painful mix of betrayal and sorrow. Deborah’s journey to understand her mother’s impact while grappling with the exploitation they endured is both heart-wrenching and revealing. The contrast between the scientific marvel of HeLa cells and the personal suffering of the Lacks family underscores the profound ethical issues at the heart of scientific research. This part of the story serves as a powerful reminder of the human element behind scientific achievements and the critical importance of ethical considerations in the pursuit of knowledge.

Group Discussion Questions

8. Although Henrietta signed a consent form that said she gives John Hopkin’s staff the right to perform any operative procedures necessary for treatment and care, obtaining a sample of her cervix would only be necessary for diagnosis. If researchers desire to keep any samples after diagnosis results from sample are completed, a separate consent form should be created and introduced to the patient. In this form, the purpose of sample collection should be outlined, as well as what the researcher intends to do with the sample, and whether or not the researcher is permitted to sell the patients biological material should be included as well.

   Informed consent, is different in the sense, that the person is made completely aware of their situation and what will happen going forward. If Henrietta had been informed before she consented, she likely would’ve been explained that samples are going to be collected for research, and shared, and that they will no longer technically be hers so the researchers can do with them what they please. With this information given to her she could’ve made an informed decision, and might’ve opted no—however, that is difficult to imagine, not only because she was a kind lady willing to help others but also because it is impossible to recognize the world today without HeLa (which was grown from a tissue sample of Henrietta’s tumor).

   To be completely honest, no, I do not always completely and thoroughly read the consent forms before signing them, especially on online consent forms for downloading and using applications on a phone or computer. Not only are most forms excruciatingly long, but they contain terminology and syntax that the average reader is probably unfamiliar with, so even if they did read it thoroughly it is may be difficult to understand them. And with the increasing amount of forms that most people need to sign today, electronically or physically, it can be to much of a hassle to read through everything.

11. It is difficult to assess this situation, especially considering during the time in which Henrietta’s tumor sample was taken, it wasn’t an illegal or abnormal practice at all. It doesn’t change the fact that it is inhumane to treat humans as “lab rats,” especially without their consent. I do believe that the family should be compensated financially to some degree for Henrietta’s cells, given the magnitude of improvement that HeLa has allowed for.

    I believe everyone, including the Lackses deserve to have health insurance even though they can’t afford it. Medical bills and depreciating health can be a significant stressor and burden on famillies, many opting not to visit doctors in the bleakest of conditions to avoid hefty bills. By removing these expenses we can improve not only overall health, and also public health benefitting the community. With money the don’t spend on medical costs they can build a better more secure future for themselves and thier children by investing education.

12. I feel that it was wrong for Dr.McKusick to direct Susan Hsu to contact Henrietta Lacks’s children and relatives, and try to obtain samples without informe conesnt. I believe it was unethical, because it created misunderstandings and created further distrust in the medical industry for the Lacks family, as the were under the impression the were getting cancer tests ( a miscommunication). When they didn’t recieve anything, they felt as if they were betrayed, and it was worse because they had reached out to Hopkins initially for answers about HeLa, and were met initially with Hsu.

    As well, another case of unethical and immoral abuse of patient trust and dependency was that of John Moore. Although had recieved surgery and been living a healthy life ever since, he recieved regular check-ups from Golde. And whe n he wished to change doctors, for ease of travel, he was met with seemingly innocent and pleasant offers to pay for his flights and board. He agreed at first but this hopitality came at a cost, he felt obliged to sign documents in his doctor, Golde’s favor without being inforomed on what they meant, and what he intended to do with any samples collected. When he did find out it was dehumanizing at the least.. To be referred to as Mo, and have attended appointments that fulfilled no purpose but to fuel the research of a doctor, all without your knowledge or consent.

    Furthermore, although I acknowledge that Golde had some part in identifying the value in Moore’s cells (the methods nevertheless, unethical) I don’t believe he should be the sole proprieter of the cell chain, after all those cells exist naturally within Moore’s body. And Moore should be able to do with his body and his cells what he pleases—if that means selling his cells so be it.

13. For the Lacks family, religious faith profoundly shapes their response to scientific information about HeLa cells. They interpret the scientific data through a spiritual lens, viewing the cells as a continuation of Henrietta Lacks’s legacy and sometimes questioning the motives of the scientific community. Their faith provides comfort and a framework for understanding the impersonal nature of science.

    Rebecca Skloot, initially focused on the scientific aspects of the story, evolves in her perspective as she engages deeply with the Lacks family. She comes to appreciate how their religious beliefs shape their understanding of the cells and recognizes that the intersection of faith and science can offer meaningful insights into how people cope with complex issues. This evolving understanding highlights the nuanced relationship between personal beliefs and scientific advancements.

14. Deborah and Zakariyya’s Interaction with Lengauer:

    When Deborah and Zakariyya visit Lengauer’s lab and see the HeLa cells, their interaction is notably different from previous encounters with Johns Hopkins. Lengauer is more personal and respectful, taking time to explain the science in an accessible way. This approach contrasts with the more impersonal and formal interactions they had before, reflecting Lengauer's genuine respect for the emotional significance of the cells to the Lacks family. Their response to seeing the cells underscores their deep emotional connection and reverence for their mother.

Deborah - and how she fits the IB learner profile!

1. Inquirers

Deborah’s curiosity drove her to learn about her mother’s HeLa cells. Despite the distressing information, she sought to understand the full scope of her mother’s legacy and its impact on science and medicine. Wanted to grasp what it meant for a “part of her mother” to still be alive.

2. Knowledgeable

Deborah educated herself about scientific concepts related to her mother’s cells. She grappled with complex ideas, such as cell biology and the ethical implications of medical research, demonstrating a deepening understanding of the world.

3. Thinkers

Deborah critically analyzed the ethical and emotional dimensions of her mother’s story. Her ability to question and reflect on the implications of HeLa cells showcased her capacity for thoughtful problem-solving and decision-making.

4. Communicators

Deborah communicated her family’s story and her own experiences to journalists and researchers, advocating for recognition and justice. Her efforts in conveying her family’s plight and emotions were central to raising awareness.

5. Principled

Deborah’s strong moral compass guided her quest for truth and justice. She faced ethical dilemmas and injustices head-on, such as confronting Galen and addressing the mistreatment of her family, all while maintaining her commitment to her family’s dignity.

6. Open-minded

Despite her personal pain, Deborah remained open to learning from others, including scientists and journalists. She accepted the complexity of her mother’s legacy and was willing to understand different perspectives on the use of HeLa cells.

7. Caring

Deborah’s empathy was evident in her dedication to her family. She took on multiple jobs to support them, cared deeply about her mother’s memory, and sought justice for both Henrietta and Elsie, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to others.

8. Risk-takers

Deborah took significant personal risks by pursuing the truth about her mother’s cells, even when it exposed her to public scrutiny and emotional distress. Her bravery in facing these challenges reflects her willingness to take risks for a greater cause.

9. Balanced

Despite the immense stress and emotional toll of her quest, Deborah strived to balance her personal life with her pursuit of justice. She managed to care for her family while navigating the complexities of her mother’s story and her own health challenges.

10. Reflective

Deborah’s reflection on her mother’s legacy and her own experiences revealed a deep self-awareness and introspection. Her ability to process her grief and the impact of HeLa cells on her family’s life showed her capacity for thoughtful reflection and personal growth.

IB Learner Adjectives

1. Inquirers: Students develop their natural curiosity and actively enjoy learning. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research, and demonstrate independence in learning.

2. Knowledgeable: Students explore concepts, ideas, and issues that have local and global significance. They acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad range of disciplines.

3. Thinkers: Students use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. They approach unfamiliar situations with a problem-solving mindset.

4. Communicators: Students express themselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and collaborate effectively with others. They are open to the perspectives of others and share ideas clearly.

5. Principled: Students act with integrity and honesty, and with a strong sense of fairness, justice, and respect for the dignity of individuals. They take responsibility for their actions and their consequences.

6. Open-minded: Students understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of others. They seek and evaluate a range of points of view.

7. Caring: Students show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the world around them.

8. Risk-takers: Students approach unfamiliar situations with courage and determination. They are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

9. Balanced: Students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others.

10. Reflective: Students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and weaknesses, and make decisions for personal growth.

GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC TERMS:

1. Addenectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the appendix.

2. Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often requiring surgical removal.

3. Autopsy: The examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death or study disease.

4. Biology: The scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and evolution.

5. Biopsy: A medical test involving the removal and examination of tissue from a living body to diagnose disease.

6. Bladder: A muscular sac in the pelvis that stores urine before it is excreted.

7. Bowel: The part of the digestive tract below the stomach, including the small and large intestines.

8. Cancer: A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division that can lead to the formation of tumors and spread to other parts of the body.

9. Carcinomas: A type of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues that line internal organs.

10. Cells: The basic structural and functional units of all living organisms.

11. Cervical Adenocarcinomas: A type of cervical cancer that originates in glandular cells of the cervix.

12. Cervical Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

13. Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

14. Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.

15. Chromosomes: Thread-like structures located within the nucleus of animal and plant cells that contain genetic information.

16. Cloning: The process of creating genetically identical copies of biological entities.

17. Culture: The growth of cells or tissues in a controlled artificial environment outside of the organism.

18. Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, that contains organelles and is involved in many cellular processes.

19. Deviated Septum: A condition where the nasal septum, which divides the nasal cavity, is displaced to one side.

20. Division Process: The process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, including mitosis and meiosis.

21. Embryos: Early stages of development in multicellular organisms, from fertilization until birth or hatching.

22. Enzymes: Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in cells.

23. Estrogen: A group of hormones that play a key role in female reproductive development and function.

24. Formaldehyde: A chemical used for preserving biological specimens and in the production of various products.

25. Fats: Lipids that are used by the body for energy storage and cellular functions.

26. Gene Mapping: The process of determining the location and chemical sequence of genes on a chromosome.

27. Gynecology: The branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the female reproductive system.

28. Histology: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

29. Human Longevity: The study of factors affecting the length of human life.

30. Hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus.

31. Influenza: A viral infection that affects the respiratory system, commonly known as the flu.

32. Immunity: The ability of an organism to resist or fight off infection or disease.

33. Intravaneous (IV): Administration of fluids or medications directly into a vein.

34. Kinase Inhibitors: Drugs that block the action of enzymes called kinases, which are involved in cell signaling and cancer progression.

35. Lactose: A sugar found in milk and dairy products.

36. Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the production of abnormal white blood cells.

37. Liver: An organ that performs various functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion.

38. Mitosis: The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

39. Mosquito Mating: The reproductive process of mosquitoes, which can influence the spread of diseases.

40. Nucleus: The central part of a cell containing genetic material (DNA) and responsible for controlling cellular activities.

41. Neurobiology: The branch of biology that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.

42. Pathology: The study of the nature and causes of diseases, including their effects on tissues and organs.

43. Penicillin: An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

44. Polio: A viral infection that can lead to paralysis and other serious health problems.

45. Protein: A molecule composed of amino acids that performs a wide range of functions in the body, including as enzymes, hormones, and structural components.

46. Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted red blood cells and various health complications.

47. Suturing: The process of stitching tissues together after a surgical incision or wound.

48. Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

49. Terminal Uremia: A condition where the kidneys fail to filter waste products from the blood, leading to severe health issues.

50. Tumor: An abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

51. Uterus: The organ in females where a fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy.

52. Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides immunity to a particular disease by stimulating the body's immune response.

53. Vitro Fertilization: A medical procedure where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the uterus.

54. Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

55. Petri Dish: A shallow, flat dish used to culture cells or microorganisms.

56. Palpated: The process of examining or feeling a part of the body with hands to detect abnormalities.

57. Sterile: Free from bacteria or other microorganisms.

58. Somatic Cell Fusion: The process of combining two somatic cells to create a hybrid cell, often used in cloning.

59. The Pap Smear: A screening test for cervical cancer that involves collecting cells from the cervix for examination.

60. MPF-Triggering: Refers to a mechanism in cell biology where a maturation-promoting factor (MPF) triggers a chain reaction of protein activations leading to cell division.

61. Glycolysis: The process of breaking down glucose to produce energy.

62. Coronary Bypass: A surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by creating a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries.

63. Incision: A surgical cut made in the skin or tissue.

64. Autopsy: The examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death or study disease.

65. Suturing: The process of stitching tissues together after a surgical incision or wound.

66. Formaldehyde: A chemical used for preserving biological specimens and in the production of various products.

67. Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.

68. Cultures: The cultivation of cells or microorganisms in a controlled environment.

69. Cervical Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

70. Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

71. Symptom: A physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease.

72. Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

73. Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to distorted red blood cells and various health complications.

74. Appendix: A small, tube-shaped organ attached to the large intestine, whose function is not fully understood.

75. Lactose: A sugar found in milk and dairy products.

76. Parkinson’s Disease: A progressive neurological disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.

77. Hemophilia: A genetic disorder in which blood does not clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.

78. Dream Studies: Research focusing on the nature and function of dreams.

79. MPF-Triggering: Refers to a mechanism in cell biology where a maturation-promoting factor (MPF) triggers a chain reaction of protein activations leading to cell division.

80. Neurobiology: The branch of biology that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nervous system.

81. Biology: The scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and evolution.

82. Histology: The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

83. Gynecology: The branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the female reproductive system.

84. Glycolysis: The process of

breaking down glucose to produce energy.

85. Cloning: The process of creating genetically identical copies of biological entities.

86. Vitro Fertilization: A medical procedure where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the uterus.

87. Transplant: The process of transferring cells, tissues, or organs from one body to another.

88. Carcinomas: A type of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues that line internal organs.

If you have any more terms or need further adjustments, let me know!