Talk about a life well lived.
Known as "The Man with the Golden Arm," James Harrison of Australia passed away recently at the age of 88.
Harrison's blood contained a very rare antibody called Anti-D and the man donated blood and plasma over 1,100 times in his life. His blood and plasma saved 2 million lives internationally through the Red Cross.
From Australia's Red Cross Lifeblood:
James's plasma contained the rare and precious antibody, Anti-D, which is used to make the life-saving medication given to mothers whose blood is at risk of attacking their unborn babies ...
When a mother with Rh (D) negative blood is pregnant with a baby that has Rh (D) positive blood, there's a risk her immune system will create antibodies that can attack the red blood cells of their next Rh(D) positive baby.
Anti-D immunoglobulin injections can help women from developing these potentially harmful antibodies.
James received no financial compensation for his many donations. All he cared about was how many babies he was able to help with this rare gift.
Harrison himself received a lifesaving transfusion at the age of 14 and since he became old enough decided he wanted to give back. And once he realized how special his blood and plasma were he never stopped giving.
Mellowship [Harrison's daughter] added, 'He was also very proud to have saved to many lives, without any cost or pain. It made him happy to hear about the many families like our, who existed because of his kindness.'
'James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world,"'Stephen Cornelissen, the CEO for Lifeblood said in a statement.
Due to health reasons, Harrison had to make his last donation in 2018.
Rest in peace to a good man.
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