Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks Net Worth

Her cells have been used in the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, cloning, gene mapping, and in vitro fertilization. Despite her immense contribution to the medical field, Henrietta Lacks was never compensated for her cells and her family has only recently begun to receive recognition for her work.

Age, Biography and Wiki

Birth Day August 1, 1920
Birth Place Roanoke, VA
Age 103 YEARS OLD
Birth Sign Leo

💰 Net worth: $3 billion (2024)

About

20th century woman who made great contributions to the medical field through the donation of her cells. A biopsy taken during cervical cancer treatment resulted in cells that produced indefinitely under certain conditions and became the first immortalized cell line. It was called the HeLa line and has continued to be a source of medical data for over 65 years.

Before Fame

She was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia and would later move to Maryland with her husband and family. She died of cervical cancer in 1951. 

Trivia

Neither she nor her family were asked for consent or compensated for the extraction of her cells or their use. When her family became aware of what had happened, the ensuing backlash raised many questions about patients' rights and privacy. 

Family Life

She married her cousin David "Day" Lacks and the two had five children together. 

Associated With

In 2017, Renee Elise Goldsberry played Lacks. 

About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.