Roanoke, Virginia (August 2, 1920 -October 4, 1951) age 31 yrs

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientist know her as HELA. She was a poor Black tobacco farmer. Her cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951. These cells became one of the most important tools in medicine. They were vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in Vito fertilization, and more. Henrietta’s cells have been bought and sold by the billions. This occurred during a time when her family did not afford health insurance. Yet, she remains virtually unknown.