Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Many of the most important and innovative medical advances can be traced back to a most unlikely source – a poor African-American migrant worker who passed away in 1951. While undergoing radiation therapy to treat her cervical cancer, Henrietta Lacks became an unknowing participant in medical history, when researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital removed a sample of her cancerous tissue. In that sample, scientists discovered cells that could survive and thrive in lab situations where normal cells died. The discovery of these HeLa cells led directly to the cure for polio, breakthroughs in HIV research and other medical advances. Henrietta Lacks passed away almost sixty years ago, but she continues to live on via her cells. Skloot’s engrossing book explores this unsung hero, her contribution to the world and the family that, until recently, was unaware of the crucial role she continues to play in modern medicine.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is the November selection of the ADVANCE Book Club for Nurses.

You can join the discussion starting on November 3, 2010 at www.advanceweb.com/nurses

• Authors: Rebecca Skloot
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Crown Publishing, 2010
• Language: English
• All books from ADVANCE are in new, unused condition

*Personalized items (embroidered/imprinted/engraved) may not be returned.