The Hidden Hero: Henrietta Lacks’ Unforgettable Contribution to Medicine – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people that inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
I hope you will share these short articles; perhaps a few people will be curious to learn more.
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
Henrietta Lacks: An Ordinary Woman, an Extraordinary Impact on Medicine – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
Throughout history, there have been numerous famous Americans who have made significant contributions to medical science, saving millions of lives through their groundbreaking research, innovations, and advancements.
Many have heard the name Dr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995): Dr. Salk developed the first effective polio vaccine in the 1950s, helping to prevent the spread of the devastating polio virus that had affected millions of people, especially children. His work played a pivotal role in eradicating polio from many parts of the world. Thanks in large part to Henrietta Lacks!
HENRIETTA LACKS – SAVED MILLIONS OF LIVES
“In total, it’s estimated that Henrietta Lacks saved over 10 million lives” and counting!
Henrietta Lacks’ Immortal Impact on Modern Medicine – Alameda Health System
Dr. Salk and many other famous researchers utilized Henrietta Lacks cells to make their discovery.
The Legacy Lives On: Henrietta Lacks and the Continued Advancement of Science
Henrietta Lacks was born on August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her life was marked by the challenges and hardships of being born a colored girl. Yet she left an enduring legacy. Henrietta’s contribution to science began in 1951 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. During her treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a small sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her knowledge or consent. This seemingly routine act would lead to an astonishing breakthrough in medical science.
The “HeLa” CELLS: A TURNING POINT IN MEDICINE
Henrietta’s cells, which came to be known as the HeLa cell line, exhibited an unprecedented ability to multiply rapidly and indefinitely in laboratory conditions. This discovery opened the door to a wide range of medical and scientific advancements.
“While receiving treatment at Johns Hopkins, Lacks’s cells were harvested without her knowledge or consent. When researchers observed her cells in the lab, they found something surprising: They multiplied, whereas others would die within days. Scientists dubbed the line of identical cells “HeLa,” after Lacks’s name, and have used it for a variety of medical advancements you’ve likely benefited from. According to the World Health Organization, HeLa cells were used:
- In developing vaccines for polio, HPV, the flu, and Covid-19.
- To study different types of cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as IVF.”
The HeLa cells became instrumental in developing vaccines, studying genetics, understanding cell behavior, and testing the effects of various substances. Henrietta’s unwitting contribution laid the foundation for breakthroughs in cancer research, virology, and countless other fields.
Over the past seven decades, HeLa cells have contributed to roughly 70,000 scientific studies, saving millions of lives. But Lacks had never given permission for her cells to be used. It was not until decades later that her family found out what had become of her cells.
Henrietta Lacks and the Ethical Questions of Medical Advancement
“On August 1, 2023, which would have been her 103rd birthday, her family reached a settlement over compensation for Lacks’ contribution to medical history.
The family of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells underpin much of modern medicine, reached a settlement yesterday with biotech company Thermo Fisher Scientific. Lacks’s descendants filed a lawsuit against Thermo Fisher in 2021, claiming that the company profited off of Lacks’s cells for decades by selling her cells and seeking to obtain IP rights to medical advancements that they were used to develop.”
Conclusion: Henrietta Lacks: A Woman Who Changed Medicine Forever
Henrietta Lacks tragically passed away in 1951 at the age of 31. Her family only learned about her immortal cells years later, and their story sparked essential conversations about medical ethics and patients’ rights. Henrietta’s story shed light on the need for informed consent and fair treatment of patients whose biological materials are used for research purposes. Her unwitting contribution, though initially overlooked, has left an enduring legacy that has transformed medical research and saved lives. Henrietta Lacks serves as a timeless role model, reminding us that ordinary people can leave an extraordinary impact on the world through their resilience, curiosity, and unyielding spirit.
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YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
I CARE!
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wcnkas.org
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
TRUST ME – YOU WILL LIKE THE BELOW POPULAR BLOGS!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’s WHAT YOU GIVE!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE!
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – BADRINARAYANAN KOTHANDARAMAN, ENPHASE ENERGY, CEO
RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS– TEACHER RAYMOND NELSON CREATES GENTLEMEN’S CLUB TO TEACH LIFE LESSONS TO BOYS WHO HAVE NO DADS AT HOME
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – MARIO HOOVER – 16 YEARS OLD!
A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES} – LEGENDARY INVESTOR JOHN ROGERS JR
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/03/09/black-and-brown-role-models-series-legendary-investor-john-rogers-jr/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} – ROBERT L. JOHNSON, FOUNDER BET – FEBRUARY 24, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} – JAMES AND JILEA HEMMINGS BECOME THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICANS OWNERS OF AN AUTONOMOUS GROCERY STORE – ON FEBRUARY 25, 2022
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/25/black-history-month-role-models-james-and-jilea-hemmings-become-first-african-americans-owners-of-an-autonomous-grocery-store-february-25-2022/
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS {SERIES} BILLIONAIRE ROBERT F. SMITH – FEBRUARY 23, 2022
BLACK HISTORY MONTH ROLE MODELS -REGINALD LEWIS – FEBRUARY 22, 2022
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2022/02/22/black-history-month-role-models-reginald-lewis-february-22-2022/
“WHAT WE BECOME DEPENDS ON WHAT OUR FATHERS TEACH US AT ODD MOMENTS, WHEN THEY AREN’T TRYING TO TEACH US”
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2021/11/03/what-we-become-depends-on-what-our-fathers-teach-us-at-odd-moments-when-they-arent-trying-to-teach-us/
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
WE NEED MORE STEM MAJORS AND LEGACIES LIKE MYLES JOHNSON!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
DADS WHO RAISED ME TO BE MORE THAN I COULD BE!
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY – “EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WITH WHICH YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD” NELSON MANDELLA
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
