James Harrison saved over 2.4 million babies by donating blood for 60 years.

James Harrison's extraordinary journey began after he underwent major chest surgery at age 14 in 1951. During the procedure, he required 13 liters of blood to survive. This life-saving experience inspired him to pledge that he would become a donor as soon as he turned 18. Shortly after he began donating, doctors discovered his blood contained a rare and powerful antibody known as Rho(D) Immune Globulin.Rhesus (Rh) disease occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby. The mother's immune system recognizes the baby's red blood cells as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy them. This can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn, causing severe anemia, brain damage, or stillbirth. Harrison's unique plasma became the primary source for the 'Anti-D' vaccine, which prevents the mother's body from becoming sensitized to the baby's blood.According to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service, Harrison made 1,173 donations over six decades. His final donation took place on May 11, 2018, at the age of 81, which is the age limit for blood donors in Australia. Experts estimate that his contributions helped produce millions of doses of Anti-D, directly protecting roughly 17% of all pregnancies in Australia. His biological rarity and commitment earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999.