James Harrison, Aussie Donation Pioneer Saving 2.4 Million Babies, Dies at 88

James Harrison, known as the 'Man with a Golden Arm', passed away at 88 on February 17 in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia. His plasma donations, which began at age 18 and continued until he was 81, saved the lives of over 2.4 million babies, primarily through the rare Anti-D antibody crucial for preventing hemolytic disease in newborns. Harrison's commitment to donating plasma every two weeks for more than six decades was inspired by his own experiences with blood transfusions during a childhood surgery. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, highlighted his pride in saving lives and the joy he found in knowing families benefited from his generosity. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service lauded his humanitarian spirit and lifelong dedication to blood donation. Harrison's legacy emphasizes the critical role of blood donors and the advancements in maternal health that can stem from such contributions.