PROLIFIC BLOOD DONOR PASSES AWAY AT AGE 88 AFTER SAVING 2.4 MILLION LIVES WITH HIS BLOOD DONATIONS

James Harrison, a prolific blood donor, passed away at the age of 88. His plasma helped save the lives of over two million babies. On February 17, he died quietly in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, according to his family.

Harrison's blood contained a rare and valuable antibody known as Anti-D, which earned him the renowned nickname "The Man with the Golden Arm." The formula was created to combat Rhesus disease, a potentially fatal illness in which the antibodies of a pregnant woman target the blood cells of her unborn child. Severe anemia, heart failure, or even death may result from this.

Although the exact cause of Harrison's blood's high Anti-D content is unknown, some speculate that it might be related to the massive blood transfusion he received at the age of 14 following major chest surgery to remove a lung. He expressed gratitude to the donors who supported him and pledged to return the favor. Regulations in Australia required him to wait until he was eighteen, but once he was, he began giving blood every week until he was eighty-one. "My father was explaining what had happened when I left the operation, or a few days later. He claimed that unidentified individuals had saved my life and that I had (received) 13 units (liters) of blood. In 2015, Harrison recalled. “He was a donor himself, so I said when I’m old enough, I’ll become a blood donor.”

There are currently less than 200 Anti-D donors in Australia, and the discovery of Anti-D in Harrison's blood was revolutionary at the time. Falkenmire of the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood said, "James' blood is especially exceptional, but every bag of blood is precious." In fact, a life-saving drug made from his blood is administered to mothers whose blood is at risk of attacking their unborn children. James' blood has been used in every batch of Anti-D produced in Australia. "And James has helped save a lot of lives because over 17% of women in Australia are at risk," Falkenmire continued.

Harrison received Anti-D vaccinations for two of his grandchildren and his daughter, Tracey Mellowship. Mellowship remarked, "James was pleased to learn that his generosity had created numerous families just like ours." "Very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain," she continued, referring to her father. According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, approximately 45,000 mothers and infants in Australia benefit annually from Anti-D donors. Researchers have been motivated by their plasma to increase access to Anti-D treatment globally. By reproducing Harrison's and other donors' blood and immune cells, Lifeblood is attempting to produce Anti-D antibodies in the lab in partnership with Australia's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. While Harrison’s passing is a great loss, his legacy will continue saving countless babies for years to come.