Australian blood donor James Harrison, also dubbed the "Man with the Golden Arm," is no more. He died at 88. During his lifetime, he saved the lives of more than two million babies globally by donating his rare blood plasma.
His blood donation drive started in 1954, when he was only 18 years old. He continued till he hit 81, the maximum age limit for blood donation in the country. He donated blood more than 1,111 times (1173), according to reports.
The news of his death has brought back old videos showing him donating blood.
His blood contained a rare and precious antibody called Anti-D, essential in preventing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a serious illness that occurs when blood types are incompatible between a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Donated more than 1,111 times
This rare component in his blood made him a donor of great utility and purpose. He saved millions of lives by regularly donating his blood. It was learned that Harrison had donated blood more than 1,111 times between the ages of 18 and 81.
Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen acknowledged Harrison’s mission to save lives with his blood and told CNN news, "James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return. He was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving".
"I hope it’s a record that somebody breaks"
An NBC News quoted the words Harrison once said and wrote, "I hope it’s a record that somebody breaks because it will mean they are dedicated to the cause".
In Australia, he is considered a hero. He has won awards and recognitions for his act, including one of the country’s highest medals - Medal of the Order of Australia.
