NEW ORLEANS — Daniel Cressy was declared functionally cured of sickle cell disease on Monday after receiving gene editing therapy at Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans. He is the first person in Louisiana to achieve functional cure from the disease using gene editing therapy.

Cressy, a 23-year-old resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was diagnosed with sickle cell disease in infancy. The gene therapy process spanned two years, culminating in his recent treatment at the hospital's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Manning Family Children's Hospital received Cressy's genetically modified cells in March. He was admitted to the hospital, where he received chemotherapy to eliminate his sickle cells before his genetically modified cells were infused into his body.

Following the infusion, Cressy spent a month in inpatient recovery and monitoring at the hospital. On Monday, he rang a ceremonial bell at the hospital to mark the completion of his treatment. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, U.S. House member Troy Carter, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry attended the bell ringing.

The gene editing therapy utilized Casgevy's CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Cressy is working toward becoming a commercial pilot, a career path previously inaccessible to him because the Federal Aviation Administration would not license him due to his sickle cell disease diagnosis.

Cressy is developing a nonprofit charity called the Privileged Pilots Project, which aims to expand access to care, aviation, and general opportunities for individuals facing medical, economic, and social challenges. He is writing a book titled Blessing in the Skies.

"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."

Lucio Fragoso, chief executive officer of the hospital, spoke about the achievement. "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." Louisiana records more cases of sickle cell disease per capita than any other U.S. state.