Daniel Cressy, a 23-year-old from Metairie, Louisiana, has become the first person in the Gulf coast region to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease, following successful gene therapy at Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans. The achievement, announced on Monday, clears the way for Cressy to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
Gene therapy breakthrough
Cressy underwent a two-year process that involved collecting his cells, sending them to Scotland for genetic modification using Casgevy's CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and then reinfusing them after chemotherapy to eliminate his sickle cells. The hospital received the modified cells in March, and Cressy spent a month in inpatient recovery before being declared functionally cured.
According to the hospital, Louisiana produces more cases of sickle cell disease per capita than any other U.S. state. The genetic blood disorder, which predominantly affects African American people, causes chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and shortened life spans. The FAA had previously denied Cressy a pilot license due to his condition, but he learned that a cure could change that.
Community celebration
At the ceremonial bell ringing, Cressy was joined by family, friends, medical staff, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, U.S. Representative Troy Carter, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Lucio Fragoso, CEO of Manning Family Children's Hospital, said in a statement: "Curative gene therapy is restoring futures, and Daniel has paved the way for what is possible together with his care team. This is a proud and transformational moment for all of us."
Future plans
Cressy has spoken publicly about his plans to continue working toward becoming a commercial aviator. He is also writing a book titled Blessing in the Skies and developing his nonprofit, the Privileged Pilots Project, which aims to expand access to care, aviation, and opportunity for those facing medical, economic, and social challenges.
Cressy called his journey his "greatest blessing" and described what comes next as "life two." He said: "While many spend their lives searching for purpose, mine found me. Now, instead of looking for meaning, I can spend my life fulfilling it."
