His contributions have changed maternal healthcare, saving countless lives globally.
Australian Blood Donor Harold Harrison, Lifesaver of 2.4 Million Babies, Passes Away
Australian Blood Donor Harold Harrison, Lifesaver of 2.4 Million Babies, Passes Away
Harrison, renowned for his rare plasma antibodies, devoted his life to blood donation until the age of 81.
James Harrison, one of the most influential blood donors in history, has sadly passed away at the age of 88 in a nursing home in New South Wales. Known affectionately as the "man with the golden arm," Harrison's rare blood plasma antibodies, particularly Anti-D, helped save the lives of over 2 million newborns. His family confirmed his death, stating he died peacefully in his sleep on February 17.
Harrison’s journey as a blood donor began after he underwent a major chest surgery at 14 and received multiple transfusions. This sparked a lifelong commitment to donating blood plasma, beginning at age 18 and continuing every two weeks until he reached 81 years of age. He set a Guinness World Record in 2005 for the most blood plasma donated, a record he maintained until it was surpassed in 2022 by a donor in the U.S.
His dedication was rooted in the profound impact he knew his donations would have on many families. Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, shared that her father was proud of having saved lives “without any cost or pain.” Mellowship and two of Harrison’s grandchildren are recipients of anti-D immunizations, underscoring the familial legacy of his contributions.
The critical role of Anti-D immunizations that Harrison’s antibodies provided can’t be overstated. These jabs protect unborn babies from a life-threatening condition known as hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Before the introduction of anti-D treatment in the mid-1960s, up to 50% of babies diagnosed with HDFN would die.
Though it remains a mystery how Harrison's blood came to be rich in anti-D antibodies, some speculate it’s linked to the significant transfusion he received as a teenager. Currently, less than 200 individuals in Australia are capable of producing anti-D antibodies, yet they collectively support around 45,000 mothers and unborn children each year.
In a progressive effort, Lifeblood, collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, is working towards replicating anti-D antibodies in a lab setting. Their aim is to eventually create therapies that can assist pregnant women on a global scale. Lifeblood's research director David Irving highlighted the importance of regular donors who possess the ability to produce these life-saving antibodies, emphasizing the continued need for such heroes in the community.
Harrison’s journey as a blood donor began after he underwent a major chest surgery at 14 and received multiple transfusions. This sparked a lifelong commitment to donating blood plasma, beginning at age 18 and continuing every two weeks until he reached 81 years of age. He set a Guinness World Record in 2005 for the most blood plasma donated, a record he maintained until it was surpassed in 2022 by a donor in the U.S.
His dedication was rooted in the profound impact he knew his donations would have on many families. Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, shared that her father was proud of having saved lives “without any cost or pain.” Mellowship and two of Harrison’s grandchildren are recipients of anti-D immunizations, underscoring the familial legacy of his contributions.
The critical role of Anti-D immunizations that Harrison’s antibodies provided can’t be overstated. These jabs protect unborn babies from a life-threatening condition known as hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Before the introduction of anti-D treatment in the mid-1960s, up to 50% of babies diagnosed with HDFN would die.
Though it remains a mystery how Harrison's blood came to be rich in anti-D antibodies, some speculate it’s linked to the significant transfusion he received as a teenager. Currently, less than 200 individuals in Australia are capable of producing anti-D antibodies, yet they collectively support around 45,000 mothers and unborn children each year.
In a progressive effort, Lifeblood, collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, is working towards replicating anti-D antibodies in a lab setting. Their aim is to eventually create therapies that can assist pregnant women on a global scale. Lifeblood's research director David Irving highlighted the importance of regular donors who possess the ability to produce these life-saving antibodies, emphasizing the continued need for such heroes in the community.
