Henrietta Lacks

Born: 1920 in Roanoke, VA (as Loretta Pleasant)

Died: 1951

Tissue samples were taken without her permission, one of which had cancer and have since been called the “HeLa immortal cell line,” which is still being used in biomedical research today.

Her cells are widely recognized for their valuable contribution to medical research, but her life also brings up the important issue of consent and patient privacy.

Has had great importance to medicine for how many people she has helped.

Words on her gravestone, written by her grandchildren, read: “Here lies Henrietta Lacks (HeLa). Her immortal cells will continue to help mankind forever.”