'He has changed my world': Tributes pour in for the world's most generous blood donor (88)
- Replies 9
In a world where heroes come in many forms, an Aussie senior stood out with his unique superpower.
Today, we pay tribute to this remarkable man who has left an indelible mark on the world.
The world's 'most generous donor', James Harrison, has passed away at 88 years old.
He passed away peacefully at the Peninsula Village Nursing Home.
Affectionately known as the 'Man with the Golden Arm', Harrison's blood and plasma became a lifeline for many.
For more than six decades, he rolled up his sleeves almost every two weeks and made over 1,100 donations throughout his life.
These donations helped save 2.4 million Australian babies.
His passing left behind a legacy that is nothing short of miraculous.
James Harrison's journey as a donor began in 1954 when he was 18 years old.
Harrison went through a major surgery that required multiple blood transfusions.
This life-saving experience inspired Harrison to become a donor.
What made Harrison's blood so unique that it saved millions?
His blood contained a rare anti-D antibody, which is crucial in the fight against hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDFN).
This condition could affect pregnant women with Rh-negative blood when they are carrying a baby with Rh-positive blood.
Due to this incompatibility, the mother's immune system could attack the baby's red blood cells.
Harrison's plasma donations provided the anti-D necessary to prevent this potentially fatal disease.
Before the discovery of Harrison's unique blood and the subsequent Rh Program, many women tragically lost multiple babies to HDFN.
Robyn Barlow, the coordinator of the Rh Program, recalled how Harrison's commitment to donating made her job easy.
'I never had to worry about him. I never had to call. He was there standing in front of me,' Ms Barlow stated.
Medical professionals marvelled at the high levels of anti-D in Harrison's blood.
Australian Red Cross Blood Donor Service's Jemma Falkenmire highlighted that very few people have these antibodies in strong concentrations.
This rarity made Harrison's blood a precious commodity in the medical community.
Due to his contributions, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.
Several mums who received Harrison's blood paid tribute to the man with the 'golden arm'.
'He has changed my world, and I'm sure he's done that for many other families, making him a very incredible human,' Rebecca Ind, a mum who benefited from Harrison's donations during and after her pregnancy, shared.
Learn more about James Harrison in this video by Doctor Mike:
Source: Doctor Mike/YouTube
Ms Ind's daughter, Isla, was one of the many children who owe their lives to Harrison's generosity.
In an interview with NPR, James Harrison shared his sentiments about donating.
'I was always looking forward to donating, right from the operation, because I don't know how many people it took to save my life,' he stated.
Harrison's dedication to blood donation continued until the age limit forced him to retire at 81.
His final donation in 2018 was a bittersweet moment, celebrated by the mothers of anti-D babies and marked by his reluctance to stop.
His story has inspired many, including recipients of his blood, to become regular plasma donors themselves.
Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, also a recipient of anti-D, expressed how proud her father was of the lives he saved.
As we remember James Harrison, we are reminded of the profound difference one person can make.
His golden arm may have ceased to give, but the ripple effect of his kindness will continue for generations.
Let us celebrate the life of James Harrison, a true hero whose golden arm brought hope and life to millions.
May he rest in peace.
Today, we pay tribute to this remarkable man who has left an indelible mark on the world.
The world's 'most generous donor', James Harrison, has passed away at 88 years old.
He passed away peacefully at the Peninsula Village Nursing Home.
Affectionately known as the 'Man with the Golden Arm', Harrison's blood and plasma became a lifeline for many.
James Harrison donated until he was 81 years old. Image Credit: YouTube/Doctor Mike
For more than six decades, he rolled up his sleeves almost every two weeks and made over 1,100 donations throughout his life.
These donations helped save 2.4 million Australian babies.
His passing left behind a legacy that is nothing short of miraculous.
James Harrison's journey as a donor began in 1954 when he was 18 years old.
Harrison went through a major surgery that required multiple blood transfusions.
This life-saving experience inspired Harrison to become a donor.
What made Harrison's blood so unique that it saved millions?
His blood contained a rare anti-D antibody, which is crucial in the fight against hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDFN).
This condition could affect pregnant women with Rh-negative blood when they are carrying a baby with Rh-positive blood.
Due to this incompatibility, the mother's immune system could attack the baby's red blood cells.
Harrison's plasma donations provided the anti-D necessary to prevent this potentially fatal disease.
Before the discovery of Harrison's unique blood and the subsequent Rh Program, many women tragically lost multiple babies to HDFN.
Robyn Barlow, the coordinator of the Rh Program, recalled how Harrison's commitment to donating made her job easy.
'I never had to worry about him. I never had to call. He was there standing in front of me,' Ms Barlow stated.
Medical professionals marvelled at the high levels of anti-D in Harrison's blood.
Australian Red Cross Blood Donor Service's Jemma Falkenmire highlighted that very few people have these antibodies in strong concentrations.
This rarity made Harrison's blood a precious commodity in the medical community.
Due to his contributions, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.
Several mums who received Harrison's blood paid tribute to the man with the 'golden arm'.
'He has changed my world, and I'm sure he's done that for many other families, making him a very incredible human,' Rebecca Ind, a mum who benefited from Harrison's donations during and after her pregnancy, shared.
Learn more about James Harrison in this video by Doctor Mike:
Source: Doctor Mike/YouTube
Ms Ind's daughter, Isla, was one of the many children who owe their lives to Harrison's generosity.
In an interview with NPR, James Harrison shared his sentiments about donating.
'I was always looking forward to donating, right from the operation, because I don't know how many people it took to save my life,' he stated.
Harrison's dedication to blood donation continued until the age limit forced him to retire at 81.
His final donation in 2018 was a bittersweet moment, celebrated by the mothers of anti-D babies and marked by his reluctance to stop.
His story has inspired many, including recipients of his blood, to become regular plasma donors themselves.
Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, also a recipient of anti-D, expressed how proud her father was of the lives he saved.
As we remember James Harrison, we are reminded of the profound difference one person can make.
His golden arm may have ceased to give, but the ripple effect of his kindness will continue for generations.
May he rest in peace.
.png){kind=icon}
what a hero you are. My condolences to family and friends Bless you 
