Man functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy

Twenty-three-year-old Daniel Cressy underwent the therapy as doctors at Manning Family Children’s Hospital worked on his case. (WDSU via CNN Newsource)

NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) -- New Orleans doctors are celebrating a patient and his medical milestone as a Metairie man is now the first person in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy.

Twenty-three-year-old Daniel Cressy underwent the therapy as doctors at Manning Family Children’s Hospital worked on his case. They say after two years of treatment, the disease is no longer active in his system. Surrounded by his loved ones, local and state leaders, he rang the bell to mark the life-changing moment.

After two years of prep to receive his gene therapy infusion, Daniel says he’s pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. That’s something he was not able to do before since the FAA would not consider him because of his sickle cell disease due to medical safety requirements. He is hoping his story brings hope to others.

“All the support from the state and supporting governing bodies, I think everyone can soon obtain this treatment ... keep going, there is hope for a cure,” Cressy said.

Manning Family Children’s is one of a select few programs in the U.S. to now offer both FDA-approved gene-altering technologies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the world, and Louisiana has more cases per capita than any other in the U.S. It is a debilitating disease that predominantly affects African Americans. Sickle cell disease is responsible for shortening the lives of so many, while also causing chronic pain and frequent hospitalizations.

By Farrah Reed, WDSU