Louisiana Teen Discharged After Becoming State's First Pediatric Sickle Cell Cure Recipient

Louisiana has recorded its first pediatric case of functional cure for sickle cell disease using stem cell gene therapy. The patient, a 15-year-old resident of Alexandria, was discharged from Manning Family Children's Hospital following a treatment ceremony held this past Friday morning.

Phillip Mullin is the first individual in the state to receive Lyfgenia, the specific stem cell intervention that facilitated the cure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies sickle cell disease as a condition where abnormal red blood cells cause pain, infection, and stroke. Mullin’s medical history included more than 100 hospital admissions before this final treatment.

The ceremony at the hospital drew family and hospital officials. Shataka Figgins, Mullin’s mother, stated that the process of leaving the hospital involves unpacking more than just physical belongings. She described unpacking the fears and negative emotions accumulated during her son’s long illness, noting that she will now focus on the young man who survived. She recalled sleepless nights and moments of uncertainty regarding his physical endurance.

Mullin addressed the audience, stating that sacrifices are necessary to gain anything and that enduring pain can strengthen the heart. He paid tribute to his sister, Paige, whom he referred to as his superhero. Despite their playful dynamic, he noted that Paige is always waiting for him no matter how far he walks. Paige described the moment as emotional, expressing surprise that she never anticipated he would have this opportunity to receive the treatment.

Archie Manning, a New Orleans Saints legend and namesake of the hospital, attended the event. He remarked that he had never seen a young person describe their journey with the disease in such a manner. He called Mullin a wonderful young man with a remarkable mind and described the outcome as a miracle.

Mullin plans to return to school and pursue a career as a hematologist or oncologist. He aims to be a doctor who can relate to patients with blood disorders by understanding their experiences firsthand. For the immediate future, his plans are to sleep in his own bed and build Legos with his younger sister.