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

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 . A statement attributed to Cressy, 23, said his story embodied “overcoming what seemed impossible” – and hoped it would be “inspirational for a lot of people”. The resident of Metairie, Louisiana , grew up with ambitions of piloting commercial airline jets, but he eventually learned the Federal Aviation Administration would not consider licensing him because he had been diagnosed with sickle cell disease since his infancy. Predominantly affecting African American people, the genetic blood disorder can cause chronic pain, frequent hospitalizations and shorten life spans. Those who inherit the disease can be at risk for life-threatening complications amid the altitudes at which pilots fly. But, thanks to advancement allowing genetically modified stem cells to be altered, people with sickle cell disease can be treated before it begins destroying their organs. …