James Harrison

"In Australia, up until about 1967, there were literally thousands of babies dying each year, doctors didn't know why, and it was awful" (Cable News Network). After years without a cure for Rhesus disease, a single man made the difference between life or death for over two million Australian babies. Around the 1960s, James Harrison was discovered to have an unusual antibody in his blood. Though doctors are unsure of the reason behind James special blood type; they believe it was due to a chest surgery James underwent when he was 14. This chest surgery required 13 liters of blood, which means he was saved by many unknown strangers. In dedication to those people, however, Harrison made a pledge to his father to be a blood donor when he was old enough, and he has kept his word. James' commitment and selflessness are uncommon traits that not every standard person would have, hence the reason why Harrison deserves the title of hero.

James distinct commitment is what makes him different from the average person. Despite having complications in his life, James has never postponed a donation for no longer than 2 weeks. His devotion to helping others is uncommon; even after the death of his wife Barbara, James still continued to donate on the following week. "It was sad but life marches on and we have to continue doing what we do. She's up there looking down, so I carry on." This heroic proclamation said by James Harrison, greatly demonstrates his selfless and devoted character. Furthermore, it exemplifies the notion of moving forward even when facing difficult obstacles. James is someone who could positively influence others because he has done the unimaginable. For the past 60 years, "He has been donating blood every few weeks since he was 18 years old, and has done it over 1,000 times now. James never fails to make a donation; even when he's holidaying, he makes sure to stop by a donor center" (Oddity Central Collecting Oddities). To be able to make over 1000 donations takes a lot of dedication and generosity. Even on vacation, when he could be spending more of his free time with his family, he chooses to spend the rest of his spare time in the blood center, adding on to the countless donations he has made. The fact that James would go out of his free will to help others truly reflects his selfless personality, which is why he should be admired as a hero.

For years of making numerous donations, James has never once thought about quitting his charitable ways. The only problem was that he could never bare to look at the needle when making blood withdrawals. He states that, "I look at the ceiling or the nurses, maybe talk to them a bit, but never once have I watched the needle go in my arm. I can't stand the sight of blood, and I can't stand pain" (PEOPLE.com). This is a strong example of Harrison's heroism and selflessness as a person because he is able to overcome his fear of blood to help others. Every single time when he would make a plasma donation, he would never complain about the pain. The only way people would find out about what he goes through is if they were to ask him in person. One of the mother's James had helped once said, "I didn't think about it any further, and then looking into it a bit more, I found out about James and how amazing he is and how many donations he's made, and that it was all because of him"(Cable News Network). James has never once asked to be recognized for his contributions. Only those who looked further into detail would find out about this humble hero. This shows how Harrison has been doing this out of his good will, he donated whether people cared or not. There is no doubt that James Harrison is deserving of the title 'hero', for all the contributions that he has given to society.

Either from his personality or actions, James Harrison had made a great and positive impact on the world. His commitment, generosity, and selflessness had saved millions of lives and still is to this day. James has devoted years of his life into helping others, which not only inspired me but hundreds of others as well. He influences people into making donations, though there is not many who are willing to be as charitable as him. He has made people realize about what it means to be selfless and devoted. I feel inspired by him because he demonstrated those traits more evidently than most heroes that I have seen. Also, because of the fact that he has gone years unnoticed and yet he still continued to donate religiously aside that. James impact on the world both physically and mentally, is to be admired. He has accomplished more than the average person and did it in the mindset of saving others. James Harrisons contributions to society not only inspired thousands across the continent, but also undoubtedly proved what it means to be a selfless and devoted hero.

Works Cited

Edwards, Ashton. "Man with the 'golden Arm' Has Saved Lives of 2 Million Babies." Fox13nowcom.  09 June 2015. Web. 18 May 2016

http://fox13now.com/2015/06/09/man-with-the-golden-arm-has-saved-lives-of-2-million-babies/

Mackie, Drew. "Find Out How One Australian Man Saved the Lives of 2 Million Babies (Video)." PEOPLE.com. 10 June 2015. Web. 18 May 2016. http://www.people.com/article/australian-james-harrison-blood-saves-babies

Sumitra. "Meet James Harrison, the Man Whose Extremely Rare Blood Has Saved Millions of Babies' Lives | Oddity Central - Collecting Oddities." Oddity Central Collecting Oddities. 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 May 2016.

http://www.odditycentral.com/news/meet-james-harrison-the-man-whose-extremely-rare-blood-has-saved-millions-of-babies-lives.html