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Henrietta Lacks – A beautiful, gregarious black woman who died of cervical cancer at the age of 31
David “Day” Lacks – Her close relation and husband, first a field hand in his grandfather’s tobacco fields and later a steel worker in Baltimore
Tommy Lacks – Tobacco farmer, the grandfather who raised both Henrietta and Day
Ethel – A long-time rival of Henrietta, who, with her husband, Galen, moved in with Day after Henrietta’s death to help raise their three younger children.
Lawrence Lacks – Henrietta & Day’s eldest son, who took his siblings in when he realized they were being abused by Ethel
Elsie Lacks – Henrietta & Day’s older daughter, an epileptic who was incapable of speech. She died in a mental institution at age 15.
Sonny Lacks – Henrietta & Day’s second son, who was four when Henrietta passed away. The family spokesperson.
Deborah “Dale” Lacks – Henrietta & Day’s daughter, who was two when Henrietta passed away. Her desire to “know” her mother and sister forms much of the second half of the book.
Joe “Zakariyya” Lacks – The baby of the family, he was 4½ months old when Henrietta was diagnosed with cancer. He has anger issues, and spent some time in prison where he converted to Islam and changed his name to Zakariyya.
Bobette Lacks – Lawrence's wife, who realized his siblings were being abused and insisted that Lawrence take them in.
Dr. George Gey – Researcher whose work led to the development of the HeLa cell line.
Margaret Gey – George’s wife and assistant.
Mary Kubicek – George’s lab assistant, who actually grew the first HeLa cells.