Henrietta Lacks' cells, known as HeLa, are instrumental in the advance of medical research and disease fighting antibodies. Without her cells we may never have found the cure for polio in time to save millions of lives or had them for use in testing of cures for cancer, Aids and other diseases. Her cells are the first to be identified as immortal and have been replicated thousands of times enabling researchers around the world to use them for gains in medical and innovative procedures.
Henrietta Lacks is deserving of world recognition and her image on the $10 dollar bill would be an excellent place to start. Her contribution to society, although it came after her death, has been immeasurable.