One Book One Springfield
Our first read:
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Baltimore, 1951: Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman, dies of cervical cancer. Samples of her tumor, taken without her knowledge or consent, survive and reproduce.
Her cells play a role in developing polio vaccines. They travel into space. They spawn a multi-billion dollar industry and become a foundation of modern science, leading to breakthroughs in gene mapping, cloning, in-vitro fertilization, the study of viruses, and cancer research. HeLa cells save lives.
But who was Henrietta Lacks? How did she live? What did she leave behind? How did her unknowing contribution impact her family and the rest of the world?
Author Rebecca Skloot uncovers the real woman, her family, and the real story behind her anonymous and unintentional contribution to science.
Book Discussion in partnership with the Springfield Foundation
Refreshments!
Wednesday, Dec 12, 2012, 07:00 PM
Springfield Township High School Library
About the Author
Her debut book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, took more than ten years to research and write, and became an instant New York Times bestseller. (Amazon.com)
Contact Details
Call or email Joyce
Email: joyce_valenza@sdst.org
Location: 1801 East Paper Mill Road, Erdenheim, PA
Phone: 215-233-6000 2502 2501