Australian Man Dies After Saving 2.4 Million Babies Through Plasma Donations

A compassionate Australian man, who dedicated six decades of his life to making record-breaking blood plasma donations, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that saved 2.4 million babies. James Harrison, a retired state railway department clerk, breathed his last at a nursing home on the central coast of New South Wales state on February 17, as confirmed by his grandson, Jarrod Mellowship.

James Harrison: The Man with the Golden Arm

James Harrison became known as the "Man with the Golden Arm" due to his extraordinary ability to make significant contributions through his blood plasma donations. His plasma was found to contain a rare antibody known as anti-D, which is instrumental in producing injections that protect unborn babies from hemolytic disease of the newborn. This disease occurs when a pregnant woman's immune system attacks her fetus' red blood cells, particularly in cases where the mother has an Rh-negative blood type and the baby's blood type is Rh-positive.

Harrison's Dedication and Legacy

Despite his aversion to needles, James Harrison made an astounding 1,173 donations after turning 18 in 1954, continuing his selfless act until he was compelled to retire in 2018 at the age of 81. His dedication to this vital cause was even acknowledged by Guinness World Records in 2005, recognizing him as the individual with the highest number of blood plasma donations globally. However, this record was surpassed in 2022 by Brett Cooper, an American from Walker, Michigan.

Tributes and Impact

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, paid tribute to James Harrison, acknowledging him for his remarkable commitment to making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Lifeblood's chief executive, Stephen Cornelissen, lauded Harrison as a "remarkable, stoically kind and generous person devoted to a lifetime of giving." He emphasized Harrison's belief that every donor's contribution is significant and that all individuals can make a special impact through their participation in blood donation.

Personal Connection

The impact of Harrison's contributions extended to his own family, with his grandson, Jarrod Mellowship, revealing that both his mother, Tracey Mellowship, and his wife, Rebecca, required the treatment during their pregnancies. Additionally, Harrison's daughter, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren survive him, alongside his sister, Margaret Thrift.

Speculations and Origins

There are speculations regarding how James Harrison developed such high concentrations of anti-D in his blood. It is believed that his own blood transfusions during major lung surgery at the age of 14 could have played a role. After the surgery, his father, Reg, informed him about the crucial role that blood donors played in saving lives, which inspired Harrison to start donating blood as soon as he turned 18.

Legacy in Saving Lives

Harrison's rare blood plasma, which contains the anti-D antibody, is not only instrumental in preventing hemolytic disease in newborns, but it is also in limited supply in Australia, with only 200 anti-D donors contributing to the needs of approximately 45,000 mothers and their babies annually. The lives of these thousands of mothers and their children have been profoundly impacted by Harrison's selfless acts, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his dedication to blood donation.