Louisiana man becomes first in state functionally cured of sickle cell disease

Daniel Cressy. Photograph: Manning Family Children's Hospital View image in fullscreen Daniel Cressy. Photograph: Manning Family Children's Hospital Louisiana man becomes first in state functionally cured of sickle cell disease Daniel Cressy, 23, says path leading to completion of curative gene therapy is his ‘greatest blessing’ A young south-eastern Louisiana man recently became the first person in his region to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease, clearing the way for him to continue pursuing his dream of a career as a commercial pilot, according to his medical team. Daniel Cressy’s successful completion of curative gene therapy at Manning Family Children’s hospital in New Orleans on Monday generated a measure of optimism within his state, which produces more cases of sickle cell disease per capita than any other in the US, according to the medical center . A statement attributed to Cressy, 23, said his story embodied “overcoming what seemed impossible” – and hoped it would be “inspirational for a lot of people”. The resident of Metairie, Louisiana , grew up with ambitions of piloting commercial airline jets, but he eventually learned the Federal Aviation Administration would not consider licensing him because he had been diagnosed with sickle cell disease since his infancy. Predominantly affecting African American people, the genetic blood disorder can cause chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations and shorten life spans. Those who inherit the disease can be at risk for life-threatening complications amid the altitudes at which pilots fly. But, thanks to advancement allowing genetically modified stem cells to be altered, people with sickle cell disease can be treated before it begins destroying their organs. And, when Cressy said he learned from the FAA that he could pursue becoming a pilot if he could cure his sickle cell disease, he assessed his options. He said he settled on gene editing therapy, for which Manning Family Children’s Hospital had received approval. Undergoing the process took two years – and in late 2025, it required collecting cells from Cressy’s body and sending them to Scotland to be genetically modified, the hospital said in a news release. The hospital said it got the cells back in March. Cressy was then admitted to the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, which treated him with chemotherapy to eliminate his sickle cells. It subsequently infused his genetically modified cells into his body. Cressy spent a month in inpatient recovery and being monitored at the hospital. Then, on Monday, he rang a ceremonial bell at the hospital and was declared the first from the US’s Gulf coast region to undergo gene editing therapy utilizing Casgevy’s CRISPR/Cas9 technology and be functionally cured of sickle cell disease. The ceremonial bell ringing saw Cressy gather with family, friends, his medical team, New Orleans mayor Helena Moreno, local US House member Troy Carter and Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. A state