Let me introduce you to the great immortal Henrietta. Just to let you know, she was a beautiful African American woman, who works in the poor tobacco farmer. She led a very happy, generous life with many kids, until she felt a knot inside her. The doctors have told her that she was fine, but was surprised to see that she did indeed have a tumor exactly where she said it was. The story goes on with one of the doctors in Johns Hopkins taking a sample of her tumor (of course, discreetly but not illegally) and giving her therapy. She becomes worse and eventually dies... However, her cells known as the HeLa cells (HEnrietta LAcks) outlives her and still survives to this day.
I borrowed the book from my science teacher, Mrs. McDonough, after hearing her talk about how her cells were extracted without asking, and how it truly revolutionized the medical world. This touches upon the Bioethics unit that we've done in Gifted, as these types of cases are still happening!
It's just a really sad story if you think about it, because no matter how annoying and illegal those doctors may seem, they did find cures for many many illnesses with her cells, and that is how we are able to live the way we do. In fact, I bet all of us have unknowingly received aid from Henrietta's cells. That is why it is a tragedy, as none of her family is able to live the way they do, as they are poor. (And the doctors said by doing an autopsy for Henrietta will help their children!!!!)
The book is written in a very unique way, as it is not chronologically written, and it doesn't feel like a biography of Henrietta Lacks. Though it does create a voice for Henrietta's children, families, and relatives, the introduction is more about how the author got interested in Henrietta and her journey to write the story. Truth be told, I'm more interested in Henrietta than the author, but I think she does a nice job of introducing new characters and connect them with Henrietta to reveal their significance.
No comments:
Post a Comment