Someone at Johns Hopkins needs to think outside the box in order to recognize Mrs. Henrietta Lacks in a way that would warm her heart, without setting a financial reward precedent for unknowing cell donors. Mrs. Lacks gave so much to this world. I believe she would rest easier if some health help came to her family in memory of Elsie Lacks.
Thank you Lacks family for Henrietta's life and Ms. Skloot for cherishing the memory of mother Henrietta and her beloved Elsie and Deborah.
A fine report on an excellent book and author. Those who criticize the Lacks family should read the book and learn the circumstances of the Lacks family. They might understand more about the Lackses. In addition, changes made since cells were removed from Henrietta Lacks have given patients and families a role in whether such actions can be taken. Lacks family members are proud of what their mother, grandmother, cousin, gave to the world, however unwittingly. But the fact that companies today are making a great deal of money off of cells taken from Henrietta, while her family goes without, is more than ironic. It is wrong. Add in the context of research on African Americans that exploited them horribly, and the distrust by the Lackses and others is more than understandable. With her book, Ms. Skloot has done the world, the world of research, and Henrietta Lacks a great service.
Its a fantastic story, but the weak part is the relatives' claims for money or that they were cheated. They apparently are small people. Unable to see that Henrietta's terrible, fatal illness is redeemed only by the unwitting contribution she made to humanity in laboratories. To a one, her kin are unable to see that their unfortunate family circumstances is the source of their poverty and ignorance. Helen got cancer, after all, from her husband's HPV. He also gave her gonorrhea and syphilis, an epileptic and retarded daughter, and not too much more.
Having read the book I find it amazing that practices of this sort are touted as great science. Maybe HeLa cells were the greatest thing to come along for the scientists who were trying to get human cells to grow outside the body, but talk about Dr. Frankenstein, they make him look like Sleeping Beauty! On top of the fact that as stated in the book, these cells were actually injected into some unsuspecting patients during the many years before HIPPA became the law of the land.
I cannot imagine that any scientist would stand back and say that they did such wonderful things with this poor woman's cells. They are nothing but glorified thieves, who like most doctors have egos so big that they think they are Gods and can do as they like, with whom they like.
I just have one question? When is this behavior going to stop? I still see doctors on a regular basis with this higher than mighty attitude, feeling like they are above the law or morals do not apply to them , in of all things the name of science. Who in the hell do these people think they are? The last time I checked this was a free country, but Henrietta Lacks freedom was taken from her and her family by holding her cells hostage so to speak, and never giving the family not one red cent. The is a insane! These folks The Lacks family their lives have been damaged, discussed and put out for the whole world to see, not one of them really ever giving informed consent until they met Rebecca Skloot.
Johns Hopkins, shame on you. If your founder were aware of what you have done in his name, he would be beside himself I am sure. He left the money for that hospital to HELP the poor and the sick, not to be used as a lab of horrors, experimenting on people without consent. I'll bet if they can get away with it, they would still do it today.
In closing I think The Lacks family should get the best legal minds in the country together and ask them to please take this, their lives, their pain, their mother's , memory and sue the hell out of anybody and everybody they can concerning this matter. The billions and billions of dollars made on HeLa cells, and The Lacks don't even have healthcare, and you know what? They still may not get it with the healthcare plan this crazy country has shoved under our noses.
I just started reading the book and am amazed at the magnitude of the incredible case of Henrietta Lacks! My father-in-law was head of biology and assistant director of research at MD Anderson Cancer and Tumor Institute from 1954-81 and I'm certain he worked with HeLa cells. Mrs. Lacks has helped research above and beyond anyone's comprehension. I'm sure there are other people who have contributed cells since 1951...but, her's is the first known cells to live outside of the body for research. For this...mankind is eternally grateful.
I didn't hear a "give me money" from the family. They question the Why the hospital didn't acknowledge this lady or let the family know way before now. Maybe it was b/c she was black, and they thought they could get away with it. What's done in the dark WILL come to light sooner or later. A lot of other things will come to light, just keep on living and watching,
What a wonderful story. I've heard of Henrietta Lacks before re the usage of her cells. I hope the family can get pass the "give me money" part of their mother's history. Maybe $10 from each relative could buy her a headstone since NOW her memory is important in their lives. Funny how money can change how people, even children......
I loved learning more about my cousin. I actually felt like I knew her. I do however wish that Ms. Skloot would have spoken to my grandmother Mrs. Irene Pleasant during her research. I'm sure she could have told her much more about her cousin. Unfortunatley my grandmother passed last march also from a very rare form of cancer. Although she tried tell the Doctors who she was and who she was realted to the doctors wouldn't listen. There is a rare form of cancer eating up this family and someone needs to stop it.
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Thank you Lacks family for Henrietta's life and Ms. Skloot for cherishing the memory of mother Henrietta and her beloved Elsie and Deborah.
I cannot imagine that any scientist would stand back and say that they did such wonderful things with this poor woman's cells. They are nothing but glorified thieves, who like most doctors have egos so big that they think they are Gods and can do as they like, with whom they like.
I just have one question? When is this behavior going to stop? I still see doctors on a regular basis with this higher than mighty attitude, feeling like they are above the law or morals do not apply to them , in of all things the name of science. Who in the hell do these people think they are? The last time I checked this was a free country, but Henrietta Lacks freedom was taken from her and her family by holding her cells hostage so to speak, and never giving the family not one red cent. The is a insane! These folks The Lacks family their lives have been damaged, discussed and put out for the whole world to see, not one of them really ever giving informed consent until they met Rebecca Skloot.
Johns Hopkins, shame on you. If your founder were aware of what you have done in his name, he would be beside himself I am sure. He left the money for that hospital to HELP the poor and the sick, not to be used as a lab of horrors, experimenting on people without consent. I'll bet if they can get away with it, they would still do it today.
In closing I think The Lacks family should get the best legal minds in the country together and ask them to please take this, their lives, their pain, their mother's , memory and sue the hell out of anybody and everybody they can concerning this matter. The billions and billions of dollars made on HeLa cells, and The Lacks don't even have healthcare, and you know what? They still may not get it with the healthcare plan this crazy country has shoved under our noses.
of her cells. I hope the family can get pass the "give me money" part of
their mother's history. Maybe $10 from each relative could buy her a
headstone since NOW her memory is important in their lives. Funny how money can change how people, even children......