A man who saved millions of lives dies at 88

[gcode]

An amazing story and an unparralled legacy

An Australian man who donated blood plasma every three weeks for the past 70 years has died at the age of 88.

James Harrison had an antibody in his blood that is used to create the Anti-D injection that routinely stops the immune systems of women with rhesus-negative blood from attacking their unborn rhesus-positive children.

His generosity saved the lives of more than 2 million babies vulnerable to rhesus disease thanks to his unique antibodies, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.

When he was 14, Harrison benefitted from a life-saving blood transfusion during a lung operation, and started donating blood as soon as he was old enough. Around that time, thousands of babies were dying each year from what would later be diagnosed as rhesus disease.

[Smit]

Nice story.

[mkd]

Bloody good bloke

[Surface]

The story doesn't say, but I wonder if he received any compensation for his efforts and special gift.

Athletes often command huge payouts because they can do something with a ball which others can't. It would seem fitting someone with such a rare antibody should receive more than a juice-box and some crackers.

I support the Red Cross with blood donations as often as allowed because my blood is CMV-negative and Type O-neg. People with my blood-type can provide blood that's safe for transfusions for newborns with compromised immune systems, regardless of their own blood type.

After my donation, I'll often take home a few packages of Fruit Snacks for the ride home. Call me entitled.

[Aaron]

After my donation, I'll often take home a few packages of Fruit Snacks for the ride home. Call me entitled.

I do have to say, I'm disappointment that they switched away from "grandmas" brand chocolate chip cookies...