In 1951, just before Henrietta died of cervical cancer, doctors took some of her cancer cells and sent them to the lab. Since then these cells have thrived and multiplied and been used in multiple research projects and even been to the moon apparently.
Love the mix of history, personal interest and history. The facts about racial segregation are fascinating. This is the story of Henrietta, the doctors, Henrietta's family and the journalist who spent most of her adult life researching and telling Henrietta's story. Rebecca Skloot overcame initial resistance from Henrietta's family to develop a close relationship with them, especially the somewhat troubled daughter Deborah.
The author tells the story both positive and negative. Whenever possible she uses the people's words without editing. She also helps make the complicated science involved a little more understandable.
Here's a link to a BBC documentary on this story if interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVhm4emsNus
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