INSPIRATIONS! Thank you, Henrietta!

Inspired to be a part!

Man! You pick up a book to read and next thing you know, you feel like part if the family! -tia

Image found here

Image found here

Before August 20, 2013, I had no clue who Henrietta Lacks was, but when I read the preface of the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot on that same evening, I immediately knew that I needed to know who she was! I continued grasping her remarkable story via the excellently composed audiobook and every chance I got, I would continue this intriguing enhancement of my education: as background in the car as I drove; listening outside as my kids played; and in the kitchen as I cooked and cleaned. And like when you meet someone new for the first time, suddenly I began to see her everywhere! There was also a very long wait list for reserving a copy of the book/audiobook at all the public libraries. That's really said something to me!

I became especially intrigued as I learned that her story unfolded here in Baltimore. I listened as places of familiarity were mentioned, like the Johns Hopkins Medical Institute (JHMI) and the majestic statue of Jesus, "Christus Consolator", that stands in one of its historic buildings.

Original photograph

Original photograph

I visited the very spot to see his extended right toe that she had rubbed 50 years ago, praying for safety and protection during her procedures. I began to feel so connected and I decided that I too would attend the honorary event that was held on today at JHMI.

As I grabbed my continental breakfast and sat to observe, I realized that i was not the only one intrigued by Mrs. Lacks story. Hundreds of people came in and soon the auditorium was filled, with others in over flow areas. I could only imagine what affiliation each individual has, and maybe many people came just as I:  because they felt connected to Mrs. Lack's contributions and experience. 

You see, as I read the first few pages of the book, I realized that I too had encountered HeLa cells, and that I too may have held a vial of those immortal cells in my hands during my preliminary undergraduate research.

As the years have gone by, I have supported clinical research in several ways which I felt was my duty as a researcher and future clinician. I felt that if one day I were to need the trust of other people to engage them in ideas that I determine will make an impact for the greater good, that I too must be willing to be a participant, enhancing science and community health.

So today I'm left inspired, especially after hearing from two of Mrs. Lacks actual family members: her great-grand daughter and her grandson. I feel honored to have been in attendance and become a part of this rich history in science and community involvement in finding cures for the masses.

It's kind of odd to thank Mrs. Lacks for all of the advances her immortal cells have made, because she didn't knowingly contribute to science. However, I do think that the family who has survived more than 50 years with the knowledge of this, truly deserves thanks and much more! This is why I feel so honored to have been in the same room with them, hearing their thoughts and witnessing their humanity.

Aside from the living, breathing, powerful Word of God, I've never seen a book come to life as I have seen these past several weeks. I am honored to see history created right before my eyes. I agree with Dr. Gary H. Gibbons, the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health for honoring Mrs. Henrietta Lacks as a "Matriarch of Biomedical Citizen-Science". Truly a few new terms appeared to have been coined on today, and I am glad to have been a witness. I join in to show gratitude for the extraordinary contributions of Henrietta Lack's immortal cells and her family who have chosen to be in support. I truly commend you and truly believe that in giving as you have, you will receive so much more.

tia with images of a variety of HeLa Cells that have impacted Biomedical Research

Thank You, Henrietta!,

-tia