>>Henrietta Lacks Honored for Her Crucial Medical Contribution with Statue Unveiled Friday
(Halifax County, VA) -- The unveiling of a new statue to honor the "Mother of Modern Medicine" celebrates 'bringing her story home’. Richard Stelling with more.Preview: Voicer Script:
A statue of Henrietta Lacks was unveiled in South Boston Friday. Lacks' contribution to science started in 1951 when scientists took a sample of her cancerous cells without her knowledge and realized her cells didn't die but would reproduce themselves indefinitely. The ceremony celebrated the fact that her unique cells became crucial to medical research. The Cardinal News reports family members and community leaders spoke about her legacy. The statue, designed to reflect Lacks' strength and resilience, was funded by donations from various organizations, including Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital.