James Harrison, an Australian hero known as the “man with the golden arm,” has passed away at the age of 88. He died on February 17 in New South Wales, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions of lives.
Harrison started his blood donation journey in 1954 when he was just 18. Over the years, he made an astonishing 1,173 donations before retiring in 2018 at age 81. His contributions helped save the lives of more than 2.4 million babies around the world. His blood was unique because it contained a rare antibody called Anti-D, which protects newborns from potentially harmful antibodies during childbirth.
His journey into blood donation began after he underwent major chest surgery at 14. After receiving transfusions, he realized how vital blood donors are. In 2005, he set a world record for the most blood plasma donated—a record he held until 2022.
Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, shared that her father took immense pride in his contributions. He often reminded people that donating blood doesn’t hurt and that the lives saved could very well be their own.
Scientists at Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research are now working on replicating Harrison’s antibodies in a lab. Their aim is to create a synthetic version of Anti-D, which could make the treatment more accessible for pregnant women worldwide.
James Harrison’s legacy will continue through the lives he saved and the ongoing research inspired by his remarkable donations.
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