James Harrison, an Australian man whose rare blood antibody saved the lives of 2.4 million babies, has died at age 88.
The Bible tells us that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). Harrison lived this truth. His story shows how God can use our bodies to help others in amazing ways.
Most of us will never save millions of lives, but Harrison did just that through a simple act he repeated over six decades.
A Gift in His Veins
Known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” Harrison donated blood and plasma 1,173 times during his lifetime. His blood contained a rare antibody called anti-D, which doctors use to make injections that protect unborn babies from a deadly blood disorder called Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).
This condition happens when a pregnant woman with Rh negative blood carries a baby with Rh positive blood. Without treatment, the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells.
Harrison began donating blood after his own life was saved by transfusions. When he was 14, he needed major lung surgery that required blood from donors.
“After the surgery, his dad, Reg, told grandad you’re only really alive because people donated blood,” his grandson Jarrod Mellowship said. Harrison made his first donation on his 18th birthday in 1954 and kept going until he turned 81.
Courage in Every Donation
What makes this even more remarkable is that Harrison feared needles. Yet he never missed an appointment for over 60 years. He started donating before anyone knew his blood was special. Scientists discovered its unique properties in the 1960s.
“He did it for the right reasons. As humble as he was, he did like the attention. But he would never do it for the attention,” his grandson explained.
Doctors aren’t sure why Harrison’s blood had such high levels of the anti-D antibody. Some think it might be connected to his teenage blood transfusions. Whatever the reason, his rare blood changed countless lives.
Before anti-D treatments existed, about half of all babies with HDFN died. Since 1967, doctors have given over 3 million doses of anti-D made from Harrison’s blood to 2 million Australian mothers.
Saving His Own Family
Harrison’s gift helped his own family too. His daughter Tracey needed anti-D when her sons were born. His grandson’s wife Rebecca also received it for three of her four pregnancies.
“It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness,” Tracey said. “He was very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own.”
In 2005, Harrison earned a Guinness World Record as the person who donated the most blood plasma ever. He held this title until 2022. But records weren’t what drove him.
Stephen Cornelissen, Lifeblood chief executive, said, “It was James’ belief that his donations were no more important than any other donors’ and that everyone can be special in the same way that he was.”
When Harrison retired from donating in 2018, he said, “I hope it’s a record that somebody breaks, because it will mean they are dedicated to the cause.”
His service earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999 for his support of the anti-D program.
Today, Australia has about 200 anti-D donors who help around 45,000 mothers and babies each year. Scientists are now working to create lab-grown anti-D using blood cells from Harrison and other donors. They hope this will help pregnant women worldwide.
A Legacy That Lives On
Harrison died peacefully on February 17 in a nursing home in New South Wales. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Thrift, his daughter Tracey, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren, but his legacy continues through the millions of lives he touched with his donations.
God often works through regular people who commit to serving others. Harrison shows us that our unique gifts can make a real difference. Even small acts of kindness can change lives for generations.
Let’s pray for the scientists working to continue Harrison’s legacy and bring these treatments to mothers and babies everywhere.
WATCH: James Harrison, the Man Who Saved 2.4 Million Babies
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