Posted on 03/03/2025 9:09:34 AM PST by BenLurkin
Australia's most prolific blood and plasma donor, James Harrison, has died at age 88. Harrison is credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million babies over the course of more than half a century.
Harrison donated blood and plasma a whopping 1,173 times, according to Lifeblood, every two weeks between 1954 and 2018. All but 10 were from his right arm, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
He "never missed a single appointment," the agency said, and "expected nothing in return." Blood donors are not compensated financially under Australian law.
Harrison's plasma contained a rare and precious antibody called anti-D, which was discovered in the mid-1960s. It is used in medications to prevent haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) — also known as rhesus disease — a potentially fatal disease that occurs when a pregnant person's blood is incompatible with that of their unborn baby, prompting their immune system to attack it.
Australia has about 200 anti-D donors who help around 45,000 mothers and babies annually, according to Lifeblood.
But because the antibody is so rare, and there are so few human donors able to donate regularly, scientists are also trying to come up with a synthetic version.
Lifeblood is working with Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Australia's oldest research institute, on a project they call "James in a Jar." It could see Harrison continue to save lives long after his death.
"Using the blood of James and other donors, the team has successfully recreated and grown his antibody in the lab — with the hope it will one day help prevent [HDFN], not just for pregnant women in Australia, but also worldwide," it says.
(Excerpt) Read more at npr.org ...
What a hero!
It seems he was donating regularly, years before it was discovered his blood had a special antibody.
> What a hero! <
Yes. That’s the kind of person who should be considered for a Nobel Peace Prize. Instead the award goes to grifting trash like Al Gore.
He is way ahead of me. When I first gave blood, they told me I was a universal donor, because I was O-neg and a further test of my blood certified it could be given to babies in intensive care. Over the decades I gave four times a year for eventually 152 whole blood donations. I always thought that was quite an achievement, but it now gets put into perspective.
That’s bittersweet. So sad that a hero has died. Sweet that there’s a possibility he could live forever in legends. Too bad his blood, or the treasure that’s in it, can’t be cloned.
James Harrison, a very pale man.
Due to mobilization to UK in 1996, I’m still banned from donating as Mad Cow suspect.
Not as robust as him but several years ago a phlebotomist at the Red Cross recommended I donate Power Reds because I was A- and I’ve never been exposed CMV so my blood can be used on new born babies. If I had known that earlier, I’d be up to 20+ gallons, not 15.5.
If you donate regularly, talk to them about becoming a Power Red donor. I like it because its every 3-4 months so they’re not pestering me and doctor’s would rather give red blood cells from one donor vs. two. Power Reds is considered a double donation.
You’re still a hero to me, RM.
You’ve probably never been exposed to CMV so if you’re a regular donor which is 10% of the population, you’re CMV free blood is 10% of the people who do donate regularly.
May the Lord welcome him into his loving arms, and comfort his loved ones.
Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend.
Concur, he gets a very big attaboy and may God embrace his soul.
A nurse at the blood center lamented about a like situation because of her active duty.
He had a great pick-six for the Steelers in the Super Bowl against the Cardinals...oops, wrong James Harrison :)
Wow, saving the lives of 2 million people. That’s amazing.
I’m sure James is receiving the prize he sought now. 😇
He’s the anti-Dracula...
“pregnant person”
DEFUND NPR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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