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

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/24/louisiana-man-sickle-cell-functionally-cured

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

Daniel Cressy, 23, says path leading to completion of curative gene therapy is his ‘greatest blessing’

Ramon Antonio Vargas
Wed 24 Jun 2026 06.00 EDT

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.

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