James Harrison, the renowned Australian blood donor credited with saving over two million babies, has passed away at the age of 88.Β Harrison, famously known as the βMan with the Golden Arm,β carried a rare and vital antibody called Anti-D in his plasma. Over his lifetime, he donated blood more than 1,100 times, according to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which confirmed his passing in a statement released Saturday, perΒ CNN.
His extraordinary commitment to blood donation was inspired by his own experienceβat 14, he required multiple blood transfusions following lung surgery. Determined to give back, he began donating plasma at 18 and continued every two weeks until he reached 81, the maximum donation age in Australia.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen praised Harrisonβs lifelong dedication, calling his contributions invaluable to countless families.
The agency noted that he βnever missed a single appointmentβ and βasked for nothing in return.β In accordance with Australian law, blood donors do not receive financial compensation.
βJames was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world,β Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen said in a statement perΒ NPR.
Lifeblood reports that 17% of pregnant women in Australia require anti-D injections, with the majority of the nationβs supply coming from a small group of fewer than 200 regular plasma donors.
Harrison was the countryβs first and most dedicated anti-D donor, according to Lifeblood. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999, one of the nationβs highest civilian honors. However, he remained humble about his achievements, often using interviews to encourage others to donate.
βSome people say, βOh, youβre a hero,β β Harrison said toΒ NPRΒ in 2015. βBut Iβm in a safe room, donating blood. They give me a cup of coffee and something to nibble on. And then I just go on my way. β¦ No problem, no hardship.β
