The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I’m very lucky to count Mike Rosenwald (mikerosenwald.com) as one of my closest
friends. He’s an inspiration as a writer, reporter, and reader. He’s been with me every step of
this book with encouragement, commiseration, advice, and a few much-needed ass-kickings.
He read many drafts (and listened to several sections over the phone), always offering helpful
feedback. I look forward to returning the favor.
My family was the backbone of this book: Matt, the best big brother a girl could hope for,
supported me with long talks and laughter and always reminded me to watch out for myself.
My wonderful nephews, Nick and Justin, never fail to bring me joy. They spent far too many
holidays without their aunt because of this book, and I look forward to making up for lost time.
My sister-in-law, Renée, has provided never-ending support for this book; she is not only a
good friend, but an eagle-eyed reader with an incredible talent for spotting errors and incon-
sistencies. The same is true of my wonderful stepmother, Beverly, who read several drafts,
giving invaluable support and insight. I also benefited greatly from her sensitivity and training
as a social worker as I navigated the complexities of the Lackses’ experience.
My parents and their spouses deserve to have entire wings of this book named after them
for all the support they’ve given me over the years. My mother, Betsy McCarthy, has never
faltered in her belief in me and this book. She’s kept me sane through pep talks, reality
checks, and the gift of knitting, a family tradition I treasure. Her drive, her artistry, and her de-
termination have been a tremendous guide for me. She and her husband, Terry, encouraged
me during the hardest times, read multiple drafts of the book, and provided wise and helpful
feedback.
I am endlessly thankful to my father, Floyd Skloot, for teaching me to see the world with a
writer’s eyes, for inspiring me with his many wonderful books, and for treating this one as if it
were his own. He has always encouraged me to follow my art, and to fight for what I believed
it could be, even when that meant taking risks like quitting a stable job to freelance. He read
this book six times before publication (and that’s not counting dozens of individual chapters
and sections he read before that). He is not only my father but my colleague, my selfless pub-
licist, and my friend. For that I am lucky beyond measure.
And then there’s David Prete, my Focus (you know). He read this manuscript when it was
far longer than any book should ever be, and used his rich talent as a writer and an actor to
help me get it to a manageable size. With his grace and support, his heart, his compassion,
and his amazing cooking, he also kept me alive and happy. Even when The Immortal Book
Project of Rebecca Skloot took over our home and lives, his support never wavered. He has
my love and my gratitude. I am a very lucky woman.
The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks