The Greatest Plasma

How could a man’s blood from Australia have now saved about two million babies?

James Harrison, who is known as the man with the golden arm, has been donating blood plasma from his right arm every week for about 60 years. Plasma is known to be the liquid part of the blood.

This special type of blood had been spotted from his surgery, which was the removal of his lung when he was 14 years old. The transfusion after his surgery is what helped James recollect this special antibody blood plasma.

Until 1967, Australia literally had thousands of babies either dying or having major brain damages. Along with the miscarriages, 17% of the women had been at risk.

The Rhesus disease occurs when the mother’s blood starts attacking the unborn baby’s blood cells through the development of RhD antibodies.

Harrison had an unusual antibody in his blood. By injecting his plasma into a woman’s body, it will prevent them from developing RhD antibodies during their pregnancy.

Doctor’s are still unsure about Harrison’s blood, but they know that drawing blood from his body on a weekly basis does not hurt him because his body quickly redevelops the plasma. He does not think his blood is remarkable in any sense. After being forced to retire in a couple of years, more people will need to fill in his legacy.

According to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, there are no more than 50 people that have this special antibody. Harrison is considered a national hero and has won numerous awards.

If there is anything more to this man, it is his selflessness. His humble heart thinks as if his blood donation is the same amount of importance compared to anyone else’s blood donation.

Steven Gi Campbell Hall 10th Grade

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