<p>Date of Letter Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300 Washington, DC 20260-3501 Dear Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee: I [We] write to request your favorable consideration for the authorization of a postage stamp commemorating the “immortal” Henrietta Lacks. It is my [our] understanding that the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group (HLLG) presented a proposal to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to affect the commission of such a stamp on December 31, 2013 and again on July 11, 2017. In light of the tremendous contributions made by Mrs. Lacks (via her HeLa cells) to medical research, space exploration, and bioethics, it seems both proper and fitting that she should be recognized via a commemorative postage stamp. This is not about Black history per say, rather world history and human welfare. Considered by many to be the mother of modern medicine, Mrs. Lacks’ HeLa cells have touched more people, influenced more medical breakthroughs, and saved more lives than anyone else in modern history due. The most immediate result of her cell use was the eradication of Polio. Clones of the original cell culture continue to serve as the foundation of groundbreaking scientific research, globally. In addition to those already listed, HeLa cells are used in the development of HIV/AIDS treatments, advancements in cloning, in vitro fertilization, and genetics research. Alas, because she was an African-American woman of humble birth and social standing in mid-20th century America, Mrs. Lacks’ true identity was deliberately concealed, robbing her and her descendants of rightful recognition. Only recently has the world awakened to the unparalleled, exceedingly positive impact Lacks has made toward its betterment. She has been and continues to be honored in many ways. Among others these honors include most recently: 2017 Designated streets in Turner Station, Maryland “Henrietta Lacks Place” 2017 Designated part of highway 695 in Dundalk, Maryland “Henrietta Lacks Way” 2017 Maryland has designated the 1st Saturday in August as “Henrietta Lacks Day” 2017 Television movie on HBO The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, starring Oprah Winfrey 2017 Exhibit honoring Henrietta Lacks kicks off 13-City Tour in D.C at African American Health Equity Summit in D.C. 2016 March 14, 2016, House of Representatives honored Henrietta Lacks for Women’s History Month presented by Hon. Elijah E. Cummings It is most appropriate that we, as a grateful nation and home to discoverers of HeLa, follow suit. </p><p>In summation, Henrietta Lacks has unquestionably earned international acclaim. I [We] ask that the United States Postal Service show our nation’s appreciation for her immense gift by issuing a commemorative postage stamp in her honor. This tribute would do much towards justly acknowledging her legacy while enthusiastically demonstrating our embrace of this remarkable American woman and her miraculous endowment to humanity. Thank you for seriously evaluating this request; I [we] trust that you will deem it worthy of your support. </p><p>Respectfully,</p><p>Your Name Organization/Institution CC: Megan J. Brennan, Postmaster General of the United States of America Ronald A. Stroman, Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Government Relations Officer</p>