James Harrison, the Australian man whose rare blood plasma helped save 2.4 million babies, has passed away at the age of 88.
Known as the “Man with the golden arm,” Harrison made a record-breaking 1,173 blood plasma donations over six decades. His contributions led to life-saving treatments for newborns at risk of hemolytic disease, reported Associated Press.
Harrison died on February 17 in a nursing home on the central coast of New South Wales, according to his grandson, Jarrod Mellowship. Despite his fear of needles, he began donating blood at 18 and continued until the age of 81, when he was required to retire.
In 2005, Guinness World Records recognised him for the highest number of plasma donations. Although his record was surpassed in 2022 by American donor Brett Cooper, Harrison’s impact on medicine remains unparalleled.
His plasma contained a rare antibody known as anti-D, used to create injections that prevent hemolytic disease in the newborn. This condition occurs when a mother with Rh-negative blood carries an Rh-positive baby, causing her immune system to attack the baby’s red blood cells. Harrison’s donations helped protect millions of babies from this potentially fatal disease.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, paid tribute to Harrison, calling him a “remarkable and generous person” who dedicated his life to helping others. Australia has only around 200 anti-D donors, who assist 45,000 mothers and babies every year.
Harrison’s own family directly benefited from his contributions. His daughter needed the treatment when his grandsons were born, and his grandson’s wife also required anti-D injections during three of her four pregnancies.
There is speculation that Harrison developed his unique antibody after receiving multiple blood transfusions during a major lung surgery at the age of 14.
