James Harrison, “The Man with the Golden Arm” Who Saved 2.4 Million Babies by Donating Blood, Dies at 88
The blood of this Australian contained a rare antibody, Anti-D, used to create medications administered to pregnant women whose blood might otherwise “attack” their unborn babies.
James Harrison, one of the world’s most prolific blood donors, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17 at the age of 88 in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, his family announced this Monday. Known in Australia as “the man with the golden arm,” Harrison’s blood contained Anti-D, a rare antibody critical in combating hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a potentially fatal condition. This precious antibody is used to develop treatments for mothers at risk of complications due to blood incompatibility with their unborn child.
HDN occurs during pregnancy when the mother’s red blood cells are incompatible with those of the developing fetus. Thanks to Harrison’s donations, countless women were spared miscarriages or stillbirths.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, which honored Harrison, noted that he pledged to become a donor after receiving life-saving blood transfusions during major chest surgery at the age of 14.
“Probably My Only Talent”
Harrison began donating plasma at 18 and continued every two weeks until he was 81. By 2005, he held the world record for the most plasma donations, a title later surpassed by an American donor in 2022.
His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, shared that her father took immense pride in saving lives “without any cost or pain.” She recalled, “He always said it didn’t hurt and that the life you save could be your own.”
While the exact reason for Harrison’s high Anti-D levels remains unclear, some reports suggest it may stem from the nearly 4 liters of blood he received during his teenage transfusion. “It’s probably my only talent,” Harrison once humbly remarked, grateful to have helped so many, including his own grandchildren—his daughter received Anti-D injections during her pregnancy in 1992.
Harrison’s extraordinary legacy endures as a testament to the profound impact of selfless generosity.
FAQ
What kind of blood did James Harrison have?
James possessed a rare medical profile: RhD-negative blood paired with Rh-positive antibodies, a condition likely stemming from his own prior experience as a blood transfusion recipient.
What motivated harrison to begin donating blood in the first place?
At age 14 in 1951, he underwent significant chest surgery necessitating extensive blood transfusions. Despite his lifelong fear of needles, he vowed to repay this lifesaving gift by becoming a blood donor once he turned 18.
How much blood has James Harrison donated?
True to his word, James donated blood 1,173 times over 63 years, starting at 18 and continuing until his final donation on 11 May 2018, when he retired at age 81 in accordance with Australia’s policy barring donations beyond that age.