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 after undergoing CRISPR-based gene therapy at Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans. The successful treatment, completed on Monday, clears the way for Cressy to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Gene therapy breakthrough
Cressy's treatment used Casgevy, a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing therapy that modifies the patient's own stem cells. The process began in late 2025 when cells were collected from Cressy and sent to Scotland for genetic modification. The hospital received the modified cells in March, after which Cressy underwent chemotherapy to eliminate his sickle cells before the modified cells were infused back into his body. He spent a month in inpatient recovery and monitoring.
The hospital noted that Louisiana produces more cases of sickle cell disease per capita than any other US state, making Cressy's cure a significant milestone for the region.
Overcoming FAA restrictions
Cressy had aspired to be a commercial pilot from a young age, but the Federal Aviation Administration would not license him due to his sickle cell disease diagnosis. The genetic blood disorder, which predominantly affects African Americans, causes chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations, and shortened life spans. Pilots with the condition face risks at high altitudes. However, the FAA indicated that a cure would allow Cressy to pursue his pilot's license.
“I learned from the FAA that I could pursue becoming a pilot if I could cure my sickle cell disease,” Cressy said. After assessing his options, he chose gene editing therapy, which took two years to complete.
Ceremonial bell ringing
On Monday, Cressy rang a ceremonial bell at the hospital, joined by family, friends, his medical team, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, US Representative Troy Carter, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. The hospital declared him functionally cured, the first in the Gulf coast region to achieve this through Casgevy’s CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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 a nonprofit charity, the Privileged Pilots Project, which aims to expand access to care, aviation, and opportunities for those facing medical, economic, and social challenges.
Cressy called the path leading up to his cure his “greatest blessing” and described what comes next as “life two.” He added: “While many spend their lives searching for purpose, mine found me. Now, instead of looking for meaning, I can spend my life fulfilling it.”
