The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks

For my family:

My parents, Betsy and Floyd; their spouses, Terry and Beverly;

my brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Renee;

and my wonderful nephews, Nick and Justin.

They all did without me for far too long because of this book,

but never stopped believing in it, or me.

And in loving memory of my grandfather,

James Robert Lee (1912–2003),

who treasured books more than anyone I’ve known.

The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks

Contents

A Few Words About This Book

Prologue: The Woman in the Photograph

Deborah’s Voice

Part One

LIFE