Louisiana Man Achieves Functional Cure for Sickle Cell Disease via Gene Editing

On June 22 2026, 23-year-old Daniel Cressy was declared functionally cured of sickle cell disease after receiving CRISPR/Cas9 therapy Casgevy at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. He rang a ceremonial bell, marking the first patient to achieve this result.

The Guardian

Louisiana has about 3,000 sickle cell patients, the highest per-capita rate in the United States, and disease disproportionately affects African-American residents. Unpredictable pain crises and organ damage have barred patients from meeting FAA medical standards for commercial pilots.

The Guardian

Manning Family Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, led by pediatric hematologist-oncologist Dr. Zachary LeBlanc, performed the therapy. Lucio Fragoso oversaw program. Jeff Landry, Troy Carter, and Mayor Helena Moreno attended the bell ceremony. Cressy founded the Privileged Pilots Project nonprofit.

The Guardian

Late 2025: Stem cells were harvested and sent to Scotland for CRISPR editing. March 2026: Modified cells returned. March-April 2026: Chemotherapy cleared his marrow. April 2026: Edited cells were infused. Monitoring continued. June 22 2026: Bell ceremony confirmed cure.

The Source

Louisiana’s sickle cell burden includes 3,000 patients. Nationwide, over 100 individuals have been cured with FDA-approved therapies Casgevy and Lyfgenia; another source cites 150-200 globally. The gene-editing drug costs about $2.2 million per patient.

The Guardian

Hospital CEO Lucio Fragoso said the cure “provides a substantial reason to hope for the community” and highlighted the promise of curative gene therapy. Dr. LeBlanc noted the edited cells “effectively become the drug,” emphasizing novelty. State officials praised the achievement as a health-equity milestone.

The Guardian

• “God has given me another life, a new chapter. I was able to experience a second birthday, something that most people will never experience.” — Daniel Cressy, patient

Daniel Cressy, 23, Makes History As Louisiana’s First Sickle Cell Disease Patient To Be Functionally Cured Through Gene Therapy

• “He said: “I don’t want anybody else to have to experience the loneliness and the uncertainty and the hopelessness that I felt a couple of years ago.” — Daniel Cressy, patient

Daniel Cressy, 23, Makes History As Louisiana’s First Sickle Cell Disease Patient To Be Functionally Cured Through Gene Therapy

• “Someone’s ability to access treatment and potentially cure should not be defined by their zip code,” — Daniel Cressy, patient

WBKO - Bowling Green

• “His cells, once they’re changed, effectively become the drug,” — Dr. Zachary LeBlanc, pediatric hematologist-oncologist

23-Year-Old Daniel Cressy Becomes First Person In Louisiana Cured Of Sickle Cell Disease Through Gene Therapy - AfroTech

Sources differ on the global tally of cured patients, with one reporting “more than 100” and another citing “150 maybe 200.” Cost details are limited to a single $2.2 million figure, without explanation of payer sources. Long-term durability beyond the initial remission remains unreported.

23-Year-Old Daniel Cressy Becomes First Person In Louisiana Cured Of Sickle Cell Disease Through Gene Therapy - AfroTech

Cressy’s cure shows CRISPR gene editing can remove the medical barriers of sickle cell disease, potentially reopening FAA pathways for pilots. The case also highlights inequities in access to multi-million-dollar therapies, prompting calls for broader insurance coverage and regional treatment centers.

The Guardian

Cressy plans to pursue a commercial pilot’s license, write a memoir titled *Blessing in the Skies*, and expand the Privileged Pilots Project to aid other patients navigating gene therapy and aviation. State health officials aim to replicate the protocol for more Louisiana patients; legislators debate funding for high-cost treatments.

The Guardian