(PHOTO SUPPLIED)
University Park, IL-(ENEWSPF)- David “Sonny” Lacks, whose mother is the subject of a New York Times bestseller on a little-known chapter of American medical history, will address her legacy in a lecture at Governors State University.
“The U.S. Healthcare System: Reflected in the Lives of Henrietta Lacks and Her Family,” will be presented Tuesday, March 27, at 1:30 p.m., in GSU’s Center for Performing Arts, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL. The lecture is free and open to the public.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” details how, in 1951, a sample of cancer cells from was taken from her without consent and used for medical research. While the research obtained through the use of Henrietta Lacks’ cells led to advances in cancer treatment, the polio vaccine, and gene mapping, the Lacks family neither benefited from, nor knew of the research. Yet Henrietta Lacks’ cells are still the most widely used in medical research today.
David Lacks will be accompanied by one of his adult children at the lecture.
This event is sponsored by the Governors State University Intellectual Life Committee, the GSU College of Health and Human Services, and the GSU College of Education.
Though the event is free, seating is limited and online registration is required by March 20 at www.govst.edu/Henrietta_Lacks.
