Some people call themselves legends, while others let their actions do the talking. James Harrison, an Australian known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” was one of those whose actions made a real impact. Before passing away at 88 years old, he helped save the lives of over 2.4 million babies.
For 60 years, Harrison was one of the world’s most important blood donors. His blood contained a special antibody called Anti-D, which protects newborns from a serious condition called Rhesus disease. While doctors were not sure how he developed this antibody, some reports suggest it may have been due to a major blood transfusion he had at 14.
Later, doctors discovered that his blood could help create a treatment for Rhesus disease, also known as haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).
This disease happens when a mother’s immune system attacks her baby’s red blood cells because they are incompatible. This can cause brain damage, heart failure, or even death.
Starting at age 18 in 1954, Harrison donated blood every two weeks until he was 81. Over time, he made more than 1,100 donations, setting a world record in 2005 for the most plasma donated. Though a U.S. donor later surpassed his record in 2022, Harrison’s contributions helped save millions of lives.
Before Anti-D treatments, one in two babies with Rhesus disease would not survive. Harrison’s donations played a key role in developing these treatments, and about 3 million doses included his plasma.
Harrison passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17 at Peninsula Village Nursing Home. Many are grateful for his contribution, including his daughter, Tracey Mellowship. She and her two children received the Anti-D immunization.
Mellowship said, “He was proud to have saved so many lives. It made him happy to know families existed because of his kindness.”
There are fewer than 200 Anti-D donors in Australia, but their contributions help save over 45,000 mothers and babies every year.
In 1999, Harrison received one of Australia’s highest honors, the Medal of the Order of Australia. His story proves that one person’s kindness can change millions of lives.