echo Introduction
During the 1960s, an usual epidemic emerged in Australia, resulting in the tragic deaths of thousands of babies every year. While some were stillborn, others were born with severe brain damage, leaving mothers devastated and doctors perplexed.
Following extensive efforts to resolve the issue, medical professionals concluded that the epidemic was attributed to the Rhesus Disease, a type of Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN). Australian geneticists discovered that treating this condition would require a special antibody that is rarely found in human blood.
Hence, they meticulously reviewed samples from blood donors, sifting through thousands of names, with nearly all lacking the specified antibody. That was until they ultimately came across one name.
James Harrison.
His Backstory
James Christopher Harrison was born on December 27, 1976. At the age of 14, in 1951, he underwent a major chest surgery to remove an infected lung. Due to the intense procedure, he had to rely on the blood of others to save his life. James had to receive 13 units of blood transfusions and was hospitalised for 3 months, yet he persevered and managed to survive.
James felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the many nameless blood donations that saved his life. He pledged to donate blood himself when he turned 18, which is the minimum required age in Australia to donate blood.
Staying true to his word, just two days after he turned 18, James popped into a blood donation centre and began his first donation process despite his initial aversion for needles. He continued to donate over the years, adhering to the necessary guidelines, including the mandated wait period between each donation.
An illustration of James Harrison by John Shakespeare
At first, James merely hoped that his donation could make a difference in someone’s life; perhaps saving someone suffering from a traumatic injury, or helping another teenager who had a surgery similar to his. However, it wasn’t until authorities reached out to James that he fully realised the true value of his blood.
The HDN Epidemic
I’m sure we all know the different blood types: A, B, AB, and O. Yet, following those letters, there is also either a positive sign (+) or a negative sign (-) present. This represents the Rhesus (Rh) factor, a genetically inherited protein. If you are Rh positive, your red blood cells contain that protein, whereas if you are Rh negative, they do not. While for most people, the distinction between being Rh positive or Rh negative has little to no significant effect on their daily lives. However, for pregnant women, complications may arise if the mother is Rh negative but the foetus is Rh positive.
If a Rh negative person were to receive a blood transfusion from a Rh positive person, their body would produce RH-IG antibodies to attack the foreign blood, regardless of their compatibility in blood types.
Unfortunately, an Rh negative mother has no influence over the Rh factor inherited in her child’s blood type. Thus, if a Rh negative mother is pregnant with a Rh positive baby, her immune system will produce the RH-IG antibodies that targets the baby. While the first baby is usually not affected, if subsequent babies are also Rh positive, the antibodies already present in the mother’s body are prime to attack them.
Australia witnessed the emergence of HDN in the 1960s. Several treatments were tested before medical professionals discovered that a rare antibody was needed to treat this condition. Despite the scarcity of individuals whose blood contained this antibody, they found that James’ body not only harboured it, but was also continuously producing them in strong concentrations. Hence, authorities approached James and humbly requested him to continue donating blood and work with health officials to aid in the development of a cure.
Naturally, James agreed to the cause.
The Treatment
Scientists studied the plasma in James’ blood and ultimately developed a treatment known as Anti-D. When administered at the right moment, the injection can prevent the immune system of Rh negative mothers from producing RH-IG antibodies. It essentially conceals the fetus’ Rh positive blood from the mother’s immune system, preventing any attacks, and thereby protecting future babies from being harmed in the mother’s womb.
James’ Contribution
Following the successful development of the Anti-D treatment, James went on to donate blood for the next 60 years. However he switched to donating plasma instead as it would allow him to donate more often. Additionally, plasma can be turned into medicines that help treat conditions like bleeding disorders or immune deficiencies.
James reached his 1000th donation in May 2011, averaging 1 donation every 3 weeks over an impressive span of 57 years. On May 11, 2018, he made his 1173rd and final blood donation at the age of 81, which was the maximum age for a blood donor under Australian policies at that time.
James Harrison with mothers of Anti-D babies at his final donation
Over the years, approximately 3 million doses of Anti-D made from James’ blood have been issued to Australian mothers with Rh negative blood type since 1967. Researchers are currently working on developing a synthetic version of his antibodies. As a result, his blood has been instrumental in saving more than 2 million children from stillbirths, brain damage, and has helped mothers avoid potential miscarriages.
In fact, his daughter would also receive the Anti-D injection to save his unborn grandson, who is now expecting his first child a generation later.
Conclusion
James Harrison’s contributions have earned him the title of the ‘Man with the Golden Arm’. It had certainly left a remarkable legacy, one written in his own blood. With 1173 donations to his name, he proudly holds the world record, one that he is eager for someone to beat in the future.
James Harrison awarded with the Guinness World Record for most blood donations by one person
However, what significance does his narrative hold to you?
Blood is needed for a multitude of reasons, including surgical procedures, managing diseases, helping people who have suffered severe blood loss, and treating blood disorders like HDN.
As previously mentioned, plasma is an important component of blood that can be used to manufacture medicines. There has been a significant increase in the demand for plasma-driven medicine over the last 20 years, creating a critical need for donors. Unfortunately, it is not possible to produce plasma in a laboratory setting.
Wherever you are in the globe, donating blood can be both a unique and rewarding experience, as long as you meet the age requirement and are in good health.
Written by: Isabelle
Edited by: Zhen Li
