An Australian man, known for his extraordinary contributions to saving the lives of millions of babies, has sadly passed away at the age of 88. James Harrison, a retired state railway department clerk, was credited with saving 2.4 million babies through his record-breaking blood plasma donations spanning over six decades.
Harrison's plasma contained a rare antibody called anti-D, crucial in making 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 common when the mother has an Rh negative blood type and the baby's is Rh positive.
Despite his aversion to needles, Harrison selflessly made 1,173 donations starting in 1954 when he turned 18, continuing until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 81. His contributions were globally recognized, with Guinness World Records acknowledging him in 2005 as the top blood plasma donor in the world.
While Harrison's record was surpassed in 2022, his legacy lives on. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service paid tribute to him, highlighting his impact on saving lives. Harrison's grandson shared that his mother and wife both required the anti-D treatment during childbirth, emphasizing the personal significance of his donations.
It is believed that Harrison's high levels of anti-D may have developed from blood transfusions during a major surgery at the age of 14. His dedication to blood donation stemmed from his father's words about the importance of donated blood in saving lives.
James Harrison's remarkable generosity and kindness have left an indelible mark on the world. His belief that every blood donor is special echoes the sentiment that everyone can make a difference, just as he did. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he saved and the inspiration he provided to others.
James Harrison is survived by his family, including his sister, daughter, grandsons, and great-grandchildren. His impact on the medical community and the lives he touched will be remembered for generations to come.
