Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks By Rebecca Skloot Tissue samples unknowingly taken from Henrietta Lacks during her cancer treatment in the 1950’s aided in countless medical breakthroughs, but also were part of a dark history of experimentation on African Americans.

When Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American, died from an aggressive form of cancer at the age of 30 in 1951, a sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her knowledge or consent. This tissue was used to create a human cell line and has enabled discoveries in research of cancer, in vitro fertilization, ... (more)and gene mapping.

The Grand Rapids Public Library is partnering with Grand Valley State University’s Community Reading Project. This year’s books are “Medical Apartheid” by Harriet A. Washington and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. As a part of this project, the Library will co-host ... (more)with the Grand Rapids Study Club a community discussion about Skloot’s book. The discussion will feature special guests Dr. Rik Stevenson from City Hope Ministries, Shannon Wilson from the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute, Linda Goossen from Grand Valley State University, Michelle Loyd-Paige from Calvin College and Georgette Sass from Grand Valley State University. Free and open to the public.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is one fascinating story that we’re all talking about. This incredible non-fiction account of the cells that have done such good to medical science-and mankind-is an amazing true story. Thanks to renowned science writer Rebecca Skloot, we’re introduced to the ... (more)late Henrietta Lacks, unwitting donor of the immortal cells known as HeLa. Her cells have left a living legacy that can barely be measured.

Science writer Rebecca Skloot will discuss and sign her new book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" on Thursday, MARCH 11 from 5-6pm in room 1306 HSLC. Book signing will follow from 6-6:30 pm.