For Daniel Cressy, a hospital bell in New Orleans marked the end of one fight and a step toward the cockpit.
The 23-year-old from Metairie, Louisiana, has become the first person in the Gulf coast region to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene editing therapy using Casgevy’s CRISPR/Cas9 technology, according to Manning Family Children’s hospital.
His medical team said the cure clears the way for him to keep pursuing his goal of becoming a commercial pilot.
Cressy had been diagnosed with sickle cell disease since infancy. He grew up wanting to fly commercial airline jets, but later learned the Federal Aviation Administration would not consider licensing him because of the condition.
The genetic blood disorder, which predominantly affects African American people, can cause chronic pain, frequent hospitalisations and shortened life spans. People who inherit sickle cell disease can also face life-threatening complications at the altitudes pilots fly.
In a statement, Cressy said his story showed “overcoming what seemed impossible” and said he hoped it would be “inspirational for a lot of people”.
When Cressy learned from the FAA that he could pursue becoming a pilot if he could cure his sickle cell disease, he weighed his options and chose gene editing therapy, for which Manning Family Children’s Hospital had received approval.
The process took two years. In late 2025, the hospital collected cells from Cressy’s body and sent them to Scotland to be genetically modified, according to a hospital news release.
The hospital said the cells were returned in March. Cressy was then admitted to the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, where he was treated with chemotherapy to eliminate his sickle cells before doctors infused the genetically modified cells into his body.
He then spent a month recovering and being monitored in hospital.
On Monday, Cressy rang a ceremonial bell at the hospital and was declared functionally cured of sickle cell disease.
The ceremony brought together Cressy’s family and friends, his medical team, New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, local US House member Troy Carter and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Louisiana produces more cases of sickle cell disease per capita than any other state in the US, according to the medical centre.
In a statement, the hospital’s chief executive officer, Lucio Fragoso, said Cressy’s cure gave the community reason to “hope”.
“Curative gene therapy is restoring futures, and Daniel has paved the way for what is possible together with his care team,” Fragoso said. “This is a proud and transformational moment for all of us.”
Cressy has also spoken publicly about plans to keep working toward becoming a commercial aviator, write a book called Blessing in the Skies and develop his nonprofit charity, the Privileged Pilots Project, which is dedicated to expanding access to care, aviation and general opportunity for people facing medical, economic and social challenges.
He called the path to Monday his “greatest blessing” and described what comes next as “life two”.
“While many spend their lives searching for purpose, mine found me,” Cressy said. “Now, instead of looking for meaning, I can spend my life fulfilling it.”
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