Man with the ‘most valuable blood on Earth’ who helped save 2,400,000 babies has died at age 88

James Harrison, an Australian blood donor renowned for his rare plasma that has saved the lives of over two million infants, has passed away at the age of 88.

Harrison, often referred to as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” died peacefully in his sleep on February 17 at a nursing facility in New South Wales, as confirmed by his family, according to BBC News.

Throughout a remarkable six-decade span, Harrison emerged as one of the most significant blood donors in history, providing a life-saving antibody known as Anti-D.

This vital antibody is utilized to formulate a treatment for expectant mothers who are at risk of developing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition that arises when a mother’s immune system erroneously attacks her unborn child’s red blood cells, potentially resulting in severe anemia, heart failure, or even death.

Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, reflected on her father’s remarkable legacy, stating, “He was also very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness.”

Harrison began his journey as a donor following a significant chest surgery at the age of 14, which necessitated a substantial blood transfusion.

Grateful for the blood that had preserved his life, he vowed to give back. He commenced donating plasma at 18 and continued this practice every two weeks until he reached the age of 81, amassing over 1,100 blood donations throughout his lifetime.

“He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own,” Mellowship added.

In 2005, Harrison set a world record for the most blood plasma donated, a title he held until 2022 when a donor from the United States surpassed his total.

His contributions were pivotal in the advancement of the Anti-D treatment, which has significantly lowered infant mortality rates associated with HDFN.Harrison is a true hero. Credit: Fairfax Media Archives / Getty

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, commonly referred to as Lifeblood, there are fewer than 200 donors in Australia who provide Anti-D plasma, yet their contributions are vital in safeguarding approximately 45,000 mothers and their infants annually.

Harrison’s influence reaches his own family, as his daughter and two grandchildren were recipients of the Anti-D immunization. He is regarded as a true hero. Credit: Fairfax Media Archives / Getty

Lifeblood is currently collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia to cultivate lab-grown Anti-D antibodies by replicating the blood and immune cells of Harrison and other donors.

“Developing a new therapy has long been considered a ‘holy grail,’” stated David Irving, Lifeblood’s research director, highlighting the limited number of donors who can produce sufficient high-quality antibodies.

In acknowledgment of his altruistic contributions, Harrison was honored with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999, one of the nation’s most prestigious accolades.

A statement from Lifeblood characterized his contributions as a “remarkable legacy” and called upon the Australian public to carry on his important work.