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Prolific blood donor James Harrison—whose plasma saved the lives of more than two million babies—has died at age 88. His family revealed that he peacefully passed away in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, on February 17.
Harrison was famously known as “The Man with the Golden Arm” because his blood contained a rare and valuable antibody called Anti-D. The formula was developed to fight Rhesus disease, a life-threatening condition where a pregnant woman's antibodies attack her baby's blood cells. This can lead to severe anemia, heart failure, or even death.
No one knows for sure why Harrison’s blood was so rich in Anti-D, but some believe it may be linked to the massive blood transfusion he received at 14 after undergoing major chest surgery to remove a lung. Grateful for the donors who helped him, he promised to pay it forward. Due to Australia’s regulations, he had to wait until he turned 18, but once he could, he started donating blood every week of his life until he was 81 years old.
“When I came out of the operation, or a couple days after, my father was explaining what had happened. He said I had (received) 13 units (liters) of blood and my life had been saved by unknown people.” Harrison recalled in 2015. “He was a donor himself, so I said when I’m old enough, I’ll become a blood donor.”
The discovery of Anti-D in Harrison’s blood was groundbreaking at the time, and today, there are fewer than 200 Anti-D donors in Australia. “Every bag of blood is precious, but James’ blood is particularly extraordinary,” said Falkenmire of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
“His blood is actually used to make a life-saving medication, given to moms whose blood is at risk of attacking their unborn babies. Every batch of Anti-D that has ever been made in Australia has come from James’ blood.” Falkenmire added, “And more than 17% of women in Australia are at risk, so James has helped save a lot of lives.”
Harrison’s own daughter, Tracey Mellowship, and two of his grandchildren received Anti-D immunizations. “It made [James] happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness,” said Mellowship. She added that her dad was “very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain.”
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood estimates that Anti-D donors in Australia help around 45,000 mothers and babies each year. Their plasma has inspired researchers to expand access to Anti-D treatment worldwide. Lifeblood, in collaboration with Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, is working to grow Anti-D antibodies in the lab by replicating blood and immune cells from Harrison and other donors. While Harrison’s passing is a great loss, his legacy will continue saving countless babies for years to come.
Prolific blood donor James Harrison—whose rare plasma saved the lives of more than two million babies—has died at age 88.
Harrison was famously known as “The Man with the Golden Arm” because his blood contained a rare and valuable antibody called Anti-D.
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Source: Australian whose blood saved 2.4 million babies dies; This man’s blood has saved the lives of two million babies
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