Henrietta Lacks' life was defined by her untimely death from cervical cancer and the subsequent use of her tumor cells (HeLa cells) for groundbreaking medical research without her knowledge or consent. Her cells led to numerous scientific advancements, such as in virology, cancer research, and gene mapping. Additionally, the racial dynamics of the medical community at that time highlighted serious ethical issues regarding informed consent, showcasing the intersection of race, health, and ethics. Her story sparked significant discussions about medical ethics and the treatment of African Americans in healthcare.