James Harrison, "Man with the Golden Arm," Passes Away at 88

AUAustralia|

James Harrison, an Australian blood donor renowned for saving over two million lives, has died at the age of 88. Harrison, whose plasma contained the rare Anti-D antibody, donated blood more than 1,100 times throughout his lifetime, according to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which announced his death on February 17.

Known as the "Man with the Golden Arm," Harrison began his donation journey after receiving multiple transfusions following a lung surgery at the age of 14. He dedicated his life to donating plasma every two weeks until he reached the age limit of 81 for blood donation in Australia. His contributions were crucial in producing a medication for pregnant women with rhesus-negative blood, preventing severe complications for unborn babies.

Harrison's daughter described him as a "humanitarian at heart," asserting that his donations enabled families to exist that might not have otherwise. Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen praised Harrison’s generosity, noting that he expected nothing in return for his compassionate acts.

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