James Harrison, the world’s most prolific blood donor whose plasma saved over 2.4 million newborns, has passed away in Australia at the age of 88.
The “Man with the Golden Arm”
Harrison, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” selflessly donated plasma nearly 1,200 times between 1954 and 2018. His blood contained a rare antibody crucial in developing the Anti-D medication, which prevents Rhesus disease—a condition that can be fatal for newborns.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood described him as a humanitarian who never missed an appointment in over 60 years of donations. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the highest number of blood donations.
A Legacy of Saving Lives
Anti-D is administered to pregnant women with Rh-negative blood to prevent their immune system from attacking the Rh-positive blood of their unborn baby. Thanks to Harrison’s contributions, millions of mothers worldwide safely carried their pregnancies to term.
Although he had to stop donating in 2018 due to age restrictions, Harrison expressed his willingness to continue if allowed. His extraordinary legacy remains an inspiration in medical history and humanitarianism.
