James Harrison, one of the world’s most prolific blood donors, passed away on February 17 at 88 at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia. Known as the “man with the golden arm,” Harrison’s plasma contained a rare antibody, Anti-D, which helped save the lives of more than 2 million babies.
Harrison’s dedication to donating blood plasma began when he was just 18 years old, following a life-saving transfusion after significant chest surgery at 14. He donated plasma every two weeks until he was 81, holding the world record for the most plasma donated from 2005 until 2022. His contribution was critical in the development of a medication for pregnant women at risk of a serious condition called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), which occurs when a mother’s blood is incompatible with her unborn baby’s blood.
Before the development of Anti-D treatments in the 1960s, half of the babies born with HDFN did not survive. Today, fewer than 200 people in Australia, including Harrison, are able to produce the life-saving antibody. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, shared that her father was “very proud” of the lives he saved. His legacy brought him great joy, especially hearing about families who existed because of his donations.
Harrison’s blood plasma donations were instrumental in creating the anti-D injection, which has since protected countless babies from the deadly disorder. In recognition of his profound impact, Lifeblood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, paid tribute to Harrison’s lifelong commitment to saving lives.
While Harrison’s blood donation record has been surpassed, researchers are now working to replicate his rare antibody in labs to help further expand treatment possibilities for mothers worldwide.
