This Man Saved the Lives of 2.4 Million Babies Due to His Unusual Blood Type, Here’s How

An 87-year-old man from Australia has helped over 2.4 million babies by giving his blood. When he was 14, James Christopher Harrison had a big surgery and needed a blood transfusion to survive. When he turned 18 in 1954, he started donating blood to give back for the help he received. Doctors soon discovered that his blood had a unique antibody.

James Harrison is not your typical blood donor.

His plasma contains a powerful antibody called Anti-D, which is used to create a special treatment protecting unborn babies from a dangerous condition called Rhesus D Haemolytic Disease (HDN). This disease can be devastating, causing miscarriages, stillbirths, and severe complications in newborns.

Before the breakthrough discovery in the 1960s, HDN was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Australian babies every year. Scientists found that injecting Rh-negative mothers with low levels of donated RhD immunoglobulin could prevent HDN by neutralizing any Rh-positive blood cells without harming the baby.

James Harrison has been donating blood for over 60 years, making 1,173 donations in total. When he was 81 years old, he made his final donation, marking the end of a remarkable legacy.

His contributions have been instrumental in saving countless lives and advancing medical science.

He’s got this rare blood type combo that makes him a real-life lifesaver. They even call him «the man with the golden arm» because he’s like a treasure trove of life-saving plasma.

When Aussie scientists were trying to find a cure for Rhesus D Haemolytic Disease (HDN), they found their knight in shining armor: Mr. Harrison. His blood is like a secret weapon against HDN, a disease that messes with newborns’ blood and can be really nasty.

Mr. Harrison didn’t hesitate to join the fight. In fact, he was the first recruit for the Rh program, and his plasma has been the secret sauce in every Anti-D treatment made in Australia. That’s right, every single one!

Now, here’s the kicker: Mr. Harrison didn’t stop donating even when he hit the «retirement age» for donors. Nope, he kept showing up every week, pumping out that life-saving plasma like it was his mission in life. And boy, did he rack up the numbers: 1,162 donations from his right arm, and 10 from his left. Talk about dedication!

Thanks to Mr. Harrison, countless families have a reason to smile.

«It could be all in the brain, but I can feel it in the left arm when they inject,» Mr. Harrison explains why he’s only had ten injections in his left arm during his years of donating. «I don’t feel it in my right arm.»

His blood is invaluable. Together with Anti-D, it’s been instrumental in saving the lives of over 2 million babies. A remarkable feat attributable to one man’s generosity.

«In Australia, up until about 1967, there were literally thousands of babies dying each year, doctors didn’t know why, and it was awful,» explains Jemma Falkenmire, of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Falkenmire emphasizes the significance of Harrison’s blood, explaining its role in creating a life-saving medication for expectant mothers at risk.

Every Anti-D batch in Australia owes its existence to Harrison’s donations.

With more than 17% of Australian women facing this risk, Harrison’s contributions have been crucial. Consider baby Samuel, now just five weeks old. His mother, Kristy Pastor, received the Anti-D injection during her second pregnancy, thanks to Harrison’s antibodies.

Kristy expresses profound gratitude for Harrison’s selflessness. She ensures that mothers like her can access the vaccine to safeguard their babies’ health.

Here at Bright Side, we are deeply thankful to Mr. Harrison for his extraordinary generosity and selflessness. His commitment has brought hope and joy to millions of families, including ours. Mr. Harrison, you are a genuine hero, and your impact on the world is immeasurable. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference.