Australia’s ‘Man with the Golden Arm’ retires after saving 2 million babies | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Australia’s ‘Man with the Golden Arm’ retires after saving 2 million babies

ByHT Correspondent, New Delhi
May 16, 2018 06:17 PM IST

James Harrison, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm”, has a rare antibody in his blood that is used to reduce the risk of rhesus disease in pregnant women.

An 81-year-old Australian man, who donated his blood more than 1,100 times over the six decades and is credited for saving more than two million babies, has “retired”.

James Harrison’s generosity has earned him numerous awards, including one of the country’s most prestigious honours - the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.(AP Photo)
James Harrison’s generosity has earned him numerous awards, including one of the country’s most prestigious honours - the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.(AP Photo)

James Harrison, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm”, has a rare antibody in his blood that is used to make a lifesaving medication called anti-D. It is given to pregnant women with rhesus disease or whose blood is at risk of developing antibodies that attack their unborn babies.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Doctors discovered that Harrison’s blood had unique properties over a decade after he was hospitalised for three months for a major chest surgery at the age of 14. Harrison survived after continuous blood transfusion and that was when he pledged to become a blood donor.

“He pledged to donate as soon as he was old enough and four years later, kept his promise. He began by donating whole blood despite an aversion to needles,” Australian Red Cross Blood Service said.

Harrison’s daughter is among the recipients of the Anti-D vaccine created by his blood plasma.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service said over three million Anti-D doses have been issued to Australian mothers with negative blood types since 1967.

Harrison’s generosity has earned him numerous awards, including one of the country’s most prestigious honours - the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.

“I’ve saved a lot of lives and got a lot of new kids into the world, so yeah, it makes you feel good in that respect,” Harrison was quoted as saying by Nine Network.

According to Australian Red Cross Blood Service, less than 50 people in Australia are known to have the rare antibodies.

After Harrison’s retirement last Friday, the organisation hopes that other people with similar antibodies in their blood will come forward to help others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On