James Harrison didn’t wear a cape, but he was a hero to millions.
Known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” the Australian blood donor saved over two million babies with a rare antibody in his plasma.
On February 17, at 88 years old, he passed away peacefully, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
His journey began at 14 when a major chest surgery required him to receive multiple blood transfusions.
Grateful for the kindness of strangers, Harrison made a promise—he would give blood as soon as he was old enough.
And he kept that promise for over 60 years, donating every two weeks until the age of 81.
His blood contained Anti-D, a rare antibody that prevents a deadly condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDFN).
Before its discovery, HDFN took the lives of countless babies.
Harrison’s plasma helped create life-saving treatments for pregnant women, protecting their unborn children from severe complications or death.
His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, called him “proud and selfless,” knowing that families—including their own—owed him everything.
Now, scientists are racing to replicate his gift in the lab, hoping to produce Anti-D on a global scale.
But for decades, James Harrison was the real-life miracle, proving that sometimes, saving lives is as simple as rolling up your sleeve.
