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

Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Guardian

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”.

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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 advancements allowing genetically modified stem cells to be altered, people with sickle cell disease can be treated before it begins destroying their organs.

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