James Harrison, an Australian man who saved the lives of more than two million babies through blood donation, has died at age 88. 

Harrison, also known as the “man with the golden arm,” selflessly contributed his blood more than 1,100 times, giving his plasma every two weeks for over 60 years.

What made his donations particularly special is that he had a rare antibody that can protect babies from rhesus disease while they’re in the womb.

His journey began at the age of 14, when he required several blood transfusions while he underwent lung surgery. 

He followed in his father’s footsteps, a blood donor himself, and started giving blood regularly. He continued this practice until he reached 81 years old, the maximum age for plasma donations in his country.

Harrison’s blood contained a rare antibody known as Anti-D, which can be used to make medication to give to pregnant women with rhesus disease.

Rhesus disease isn’t harmful to the mother, but it causes her antibodies to destroy her baby’s blood cells, which can be fatal.

With the discovery of Anti-D in the 1960s, countless unborn babies’ lives have been saved thanks to this antibody. Pregnant women depend on the generosity of a small number of individuals who can provide this vital component.

But no one has ever been as extraordinarily generous as Harrison. 

“James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world,” Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen said in a statement. 

“He leaves behind an incredible legacy, and it was his hope that one day, someone in Australia would beat his donation record.”

While he received numerous awards for his lifetime of service, including the Medal of the Order of Australia — the country’s highest honor — Harrison remained humble about his incredible contributions. 

“James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return,” Cornelissen said.

“It was James’ belief that his donations were no more important than any other donors’, and that everyone can be special in the same way that he was.”

Harrison passed away peacefully in his sleep in his nursing home on Monday, February 17.

His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, said that he would be greatly missed, as he was a humanitarian who also had a wonderful sense of humor. 

She praised his legacy, as an anti-D recipient herself, knowing “he has left behind a family that may not have existed without his precious donations.”

“He was also very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness,” she added.

“He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own.”