Louisiana Man Functionally Cured of Sickle Cell Disease

For most of his life, Daniel Cressy spent between six and 12 days each year in the hospital, suffering through agonizing sickle cell crises that made simple activities feel impossible. Now, at 23, he's been declared functionally cured of the disease that once controlled every aspect of his future.

Diagnosed as an infant, Cressy lived with sickle cell disease in Louisiana, the state with the highest per capita rate in the nation. The inherited blood disorder causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow and triggering excruciating pain, organ damage, and life-threatening complications.

The disease also threatened to end Cressy's dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot. When the Federal Aviation Administration denied his medical certification, he learned there was only one path forward: cure the disease itself.

In June 2025, Cressy rang the ceremonial bell at Manning Family Children's Hospital, celebrating the end of a two-year treatment journey with Casgevy. The CRISPR-based gene therapy edits patients' own stem cells to produce healthier red blood cells that don't sickle and cause painful crises.

The treatment process wasn't easy. Doctors collected Cressy's stem cells, used CRISPR technology to modify them, then prepared his body with chemotherapy before returning the edited cells through an infusion.

Insurance approval created another hurdle. "I just had to go through extra hoops because it was new and expensive," Cressy explained, though he emphasized his medical team's support helped him push through.

Why This Inspires

Cressy's cure represents more than personal victory. Sickle cell disease affects over 100,000 Americans, disproportionately impacting Black communities who have historically faced barriers to cutting-edge medical treatments.

Clinical trials show most Casgevy patients remain free of severe crises for at least 12 months after treatment. While long-term follow-up continues, many no longer face the repeated hospitalizations that once defined their lives.

Instead of letting sickle cell disease narrow his world, Cressy founded the Privileged Pilots Project. The nonprofit helps aspiring pilots facing health challenges, raises awareness about sickle cell disease, and works to expand access to opportunities others might take for granted.

"While many spend their lives searching for purpose, mine found me," Cressy said. Now he's pursuing the medical clearance that will finally let him chase the dream sickle cell disease once put out of reach: flying commercial jets.

His message to others living with the disease is simple: learn about emerging treatments and advocate for the care you deserve.