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The author reflects on the absence of her mother, Henrietta Lacks, who died when she was young, and her quest to understand her mother's life and legacy. She discovers that her mother's cells were taken without consent and have significantly contributed to medical advancements, leading to feelings of pride and anger. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the complexities of exploitation and the enduring impact of Henrietta's legacy in science.

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nkaylee384
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14 views2 pages

Untitled Document

The author reflects on the absence of her mother, Henrietta Lacks, who died when she was young, and her quest to understand her mother's life and legacy. She discovers that her mother's cells were taken without consent and have significantly contributed to medical advancements, leading to feelings of pride and anger. Ultimately, the narrative highlights the complexities of exploitation and the enduring impact of Henrietta's legacy in science.

Uploaded by

nkaylee384
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A Mother's Legacy

I never met my mother, Henrietta Lacks. She died when I was only a toddler, leaving a family
devastated by her premature departure. My dad, David, seldom mentioned her, and when he
did, it was only in short, unclear phrases that provided little solace. Her absence weighed
heavily in our home, forming an emotional gap that I found difficult to understand as a child.

As I matured, that emptiness transformed into a profound feeling of loss and desire. I was eager
to learn more about my mother—her experiences, her challenges, and her aspirations that could
have influenced our family. Yet whenever I gathered the bravery to inquire with my father about
her, he would merely shake his head and respond, "Deborah, you really don't want to know." His
hesitation only intensified my curiosity and made me crave answers.

Not until many years later, while I was in my 50s, did I discover the startling truth regarding my
mother's cells. I was shocked and filled with rage upon discovering that doctors had obtained
her cells without our awareness or permission, and that they had been utilized for scientific
research for years without any recognition of her contribution.

As I explored my mother's narrative more thoroughly, I grew to understand the remarkable


importance of her role in science. I experienced a surge of pride upon discovering that her cells
were instrumental in creating the polio vaccine, treating cancer, and assisting in the research of
space exploration. It was a poignant realization—my mother’s life and sacrifices played a crucial
role in the progress of medical science, but her contributions were mostly overlooked.

Yet, along with that pride, I also experienced a deep feeling of anger. Frustrated that my family
had remained unaware for such a long time, lacking insight into her influence. Frustrated that
my mother's cells were utilized without our consent or recognition. Frustrated that the world
gained from her sacrifice while few knew her name.

As I contemplate my life and my mother's heritage, I understand that it is a complicated and


varied story. It is a tale of sacrifice, pain, and victory; a reminder that our physical forms can be
exploited without our awareness or approval, frequently with scant consideration for the person
behind the cells.

Nonetheless, my mother’s narrative is also a tribute to the strength of the human spirit. Even
though she is gone, her cells persist, driving scientific advancements and medical innovations
that improve numerous lives. Thus, she continues to be a part of the enduring story of hope and
advancement within the medical field, a legacy that will endure.

References:
Skloot, R. (2010). The Eternal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown Press.

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