"The Mother of Modern Medicine"

Stranger than science fiction: In 1951 a new cell line were discovered that seemed to be immortal. These cells became the mainstay of scientific research, leading to more than 110,000 published studies as well as 3 Nobel Prizes. They were simply known as HeLa Cells. Her name was Henrietta Lacks; a 31 year old mother of 5 from Baltimore, Maryland who later died of an aggressive form of cervical cancer. In today's episode, we will talk about how while she had contributed so much to science and technology, her descendants struggle with educational debts attending same Universities that have used her cell lines for years. Listen to the backstory to this grassroot movement initiated by 3 women physicians to eradicate this debt. Please consider donating.