Part detective story, part scientific odyssey, and part family saga, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot will be discussed at several libraries. Henrietta Lacks, a young black mother, died from an aggressive cancer in the early 1950s. Without her knowledge, her diseased cells were harvested. These cells proved to be inexplicably immortal and became known as HeLa. HeLa cells were reproduced, bought and sold countless times and contributed to scientific advancements as varied as the polio vaccine, treatments for cancers and viruses, in-vitro fertilization, and the impact of space travel on human cells. The discussions are sponsored by Milwaukee Public Library and the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee. No registration is required.
Date: Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Start Time: 6:15 PM
Library: East
Date: Monday, October 10, 2011
Start Time: 6:30 PM
Library: Central
Date: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Start Time: 6:15 PM
Library: Mill Road
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Start Time: 6:15 PM
Library: Bay View
Date: Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Start Time: 6:15 PM
Library: Center Street
Date: Thursday, December 01, 2011
Start Time: 6:15 PM
Library: Washington Park
