Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloots (non-fiction)
Hostess: Lois Zachary
RSVP/Contact Info: lzachary@leadservs.com
(when you RSVP, your hostess will send her address and directions)
Skloots recounts learning about an African American woman named Henrietta Lacks, who died in 1951 of cervical cancer but whose cancerous cells, taken without her permission, became the first immortal human cell line, called HeLa. Her cells became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. In addition to watching a movie, a renown oncologist will join the group to discuss / answer questions about ethical issues in the use of tissues/cells taken from patients during diagnostic procedures. Join us for a “light” pot luck diner, a riveting discussion and an enjoyable evening with members.
