By Pr. Jesame von Tronchin
James Harrison, an ordinary man from Australia, performed an extraordinary act of generosity that saved millions of lives. At the age of 14, after undergoing major chest surgery that required 13 units of donated blood, he made a vow to give back. Once he turned 18, he began donating blood regularly.
Soon, doctors discovered that his blood contained a rare antibody capable of treating Rhesus disease—a life-threatening condition in unborn babies that can cause severe anemia or death. Realizing the significance of his unique gift, James committed to donating plasma as often as he could.
Over the next six decades, he made more than 1,100 donations, helping to create the Anti-D immunoglobulin treatment. His selfless contributions are credited with saving over 2 million babies. Despite this immense impact, James remained humble, simply saying, “It’s something I can do.”
James Harrison’s story is a powerful reminder that giving the best we have can profoundly affect the lives of others. He didn’t possess great wealth or seek recognition; he offered what he uniquely had to save lives. His example encourages us to reflect on our own God-given abilities and consider how we might use them to help others.
Practical generosity isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about recognizing our unique gifts—be it time, skills, or resources—and choosing to share them. Even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change. What unique gifts or abilities do you have that you can share to make a positive impact in someone else’s life?