James Harrison, an Australian blood donor whose rare plasma saved the lives of more than two million babies, has passed away at the age of 88.
The man known as the “Man with the Golden Arm” died peacefully in his sleep on February 17 at a nursing home in New South Wales, his family confirmed, per BBC News.
Over the course of six decades, Harrison became one of the most prolific blood donors in history, offering a life-saving antibody known as Anti-D.
This crucial antibody is used to create a treatment for pregnant mothers at risk of developing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) — a condition that occurs when a mother’s immune system mistakenly attacks her unborn baby’s red blood cells, potentially leading to severe anemia, heart failure, or even death.
Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, reflected on his extraordinary legacy, saying: “He was also very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness.”
Harrison’s journey as a donor began after he underwent major chest surgery at the age of 14, which required a massive blood transfusion.
Grateful for the blood that had saved his life, he made a pledge to give back. He started donating plasma at 18 and continued every two weeks until he was 81. Over his lifetime, he made more than 1,100 blood donations.
“He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own,” Mellowship added.
In 2005, Harrison earned the world record for the most blood plasma donated — a title he held until 2022 when a U.S. donor surpassed his total.
His contributions were instrumental in the development of the Anti-D treatment, which has dramatically reduced infant mortality rates from HDFN.
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Before the mid-1960s, the condition was fatal in about one in two diagnosed cases. Thanks to Harrison and other donors, millions of babies have been born safely.
According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, fewer than 200 donors provide Anti-D plasma in Australia, yet they help protect an estimated 45,000 mothers and their babies each year.
Harrison’s impact extends to his own family — his daughter and two grandchildren were among those who received the Anti-D immunization.
Lifeblood is now working with Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to develop lab-grown Anti-D antibodies by replicating blood and immune cells from Harrison and other donors.
“Creating a new therapy has long been a ‘holy grail,'” said Lifeblood’s research director, David Irving, noting the scarcity of donors capable of producing enough high-quality antibodies.
In recognition of his selfless service, Harrison was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999 — one of the country’s highest honors.
A statement from Lifeblood described his contributions as a “remarkable legacy” and issued a challenge to the Australian public to continue his work.
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