Women’s History Month Event March 14 Honors the ‘Immortal’ Henrietta Lacks for Contributions to Medical Science
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Media is invited to a reception honoring the family and memory of
Henrietta Lacks, a Virginia woman who died in Baltimore, Md., of
cervical cancer in 1951, and whose cancer cells have been used for more
than six decades in the development of the most important breakthroughs
in medical science.
DATE: Monday, March 14, 2016
TIME: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Room 485 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington,
D.C.
WHO:
- Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD)
- Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
- Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
- Dr. Judith Salerno, President and CEO, Susan G. Komen
-
Dr. Kathy Hudson, Deputy Director for Science, Outreach and Policy,
National Institutes of Health -
Ms. Victoria Baptiste, great granddaughter of Henrietta Lacks, and
family members
NOTE: Reception includes a special display from the Lacks family
with memorabilia of Henrietta Lacks’ life.
Henrietta Lacks’ tumor cells – known as HeLa cells – replicated
without end and have been used since her death in the development of the
polio vaccine, along with treatments for cancer, AIDS, leukemia,
Parkinson’s disease and more.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen is world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding
more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing
real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982,
Komen has funded more than $889 million in research and provided $1.95
billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial
support programs. Komen has worked in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G.
Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org
or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social
Contacts
Susan G. Komen®
Joni Avery, 972-855-4382
javery@komen.org