Friday, November 23, 2012

Skeletal Disease


Dear Dance Captain,

As a result of osteoporosis, I am sorry to say that I must quit being a member of the dance crew. A year ago, I started experiencing moments of pain in my bones every once in a while. I did not have it checked until recently. The doctor said that I am diagnosed with osteoporosis, a skeletal disease where the cancellous bone loses calcium and the bones eventually become thin and may even disappear. Such a disease will restrict me from doing extensive exercises such as dancing. I am sorry to say that this is a farewell letter where I formally withdraw myself from the dance crew. I wish the team the best of luck in the future. I will always be there with you guys in spirit. 


Sincerely, 

Helen

Lit Circle 4 Henrietta Lacks

"There's no indication that Henrietta questioned him" (63)

"There is no record that George Gey ever visited Henrietta in the hospital, or said anything to her about her cells" (66)

"The people of Turner Station just watched me, smiling and shaking their heads like..." (70)

"But them cells, boy, them cells of hers is something else" (85)

"Don't you let anything bad happen to them children when I'm gone" (86)

Lit Circle 3 Henrietta Lacks

What are some side-effects of radium treatment? (42)

Where did the doctor suggest sending Elsie to? (45)

What did Henrietta find out when she wanted to have another child? (47)

What is the Tuskegee Syphilis study? Is it ethical? (50)

Why are Henrietta's cells important? (58)

What is the practice of "benevolent deception"? (63)