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Rh disease, which attacks and destroys red blood cells, is a potentially deadly form of severe fetal anemia that occurs when the mother is Rh-Negative, meaning that she does not have the Rh protein typically found on the surface of red blood cells. Once a leading cause of fetal and newborn death, Rh can now be tested for and treated with injections of a purified blood product called Rh immune globulin (RhIg). But where does all that Rhlg come from? James Harrison, who has the rare form of plasma that RhIg is derived from, has been making regular donations since he was 18 years old. Now 74, he has made a mammoth 984 donations and counting. According to estimates, his donations have helped save the lives of 2.2 million babies so far. Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve.

James Harrison