James Harrison, known as the man with the golden arm, passed away at the age of 88 on February 17 in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia. His blood plasma donations saved the lives of over 2 million babies, primarily through the use of a rare antibody called Anti-D.
- James Harrison, prolific blood donor, has died.
- His plasma saved over 2 million babies.
- Known as "the man with the golden arm."
- Anti-D antibodies prevent serious fetal conditions.
- Lifeblood researching lab-grown anti-D antibodies.
- Fewer than 200 anti-D donors in Australia.
Harrison began donating blood plasma at the age of 18, continuing every two weeks until he was 81. He was inspired to donate after receiving transfusions during chest surgery at 14. His blood contained Anti-D antibodies, crucial for preventing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition that can occur when a mother’s blood is incompatible with her baby’s. Before the development of Anti-D interventions in the mid-1960s, one in two babies diagnosed with HDFN died.
Key statistics about Harrison’s contributions include:
- Saved over 2 million babies.
- Donated plasma regularly for over six decades.
- Held the world record for most plasma donated until 2022.
Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, noted his pride in saving lives and the joy it brought him to hear about families benefiting from his donations. Currently, fewer than 200 Anti-D donors exist in Australia, helping approximately 45,000 mothers and babies annually. Lifeblood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, is working to replicate Harrison’s antibodies in the lab to create a new therapy for pregnant women worldwide.
James Harrison’s legacy as a blood donor will continue to impact countless lives, highlighting the importance of blood donation and the potential for scientific advancements in maternal health.
