Louisiana teen goes home after becoming state's first pediatric sickle cell cure recipient

The state recorded its first pediatric success with sickle cell gene therapy on Friday when a 15-year-old Alexandria resident was discharged from the hospital. Phillip Mullin is the first patient in Louisiana to receive Lyfgenia, a stem cell treatment that has functionally cured his condition.

Mullin spent more than 100 times in the hospital over the course of his life managing the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sickle cell disease creates abnormal red blood cells, which can trigger pain, infections, and strokes. His treatment was concluded with a ceremony at Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans.

Shataka Figgins, Mullin's mother, said the discharge marks a shift from constant worry to relief. She described unpacking "every fear, every negative emotion" she held while watching her son endure the illness. She recalled sleepless nights and moments of doubt about his body's ability to survive, but she now focuses on the young man who persevered.

Mullin addressed the audience at the ceremony, stating that sacrifices are necessary to gain anything. He said that enduring pain allows a person to develop a heart strong enough to overcome obstacles. He also honored his sister, Paige, whom he called his superhero. He noted that despite their teasing, she is always waiting for him no matter how far he walks.

Paige described the event as emotional and admitted she never expected her brother to receive such an opportunity. She said the situation feels great. Archie Manning, a New Orleans Saints legend and one of the hospital's namesakes, spoke after the ceremony. 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 eventually become a hematologist and oncologist. He wants to treat patients who share his background so he can relate to their experiences. He hopes that stem cell gene therapy becomes available to as many people with sickle cell disease as possible.

For the immediate future, Mullin said his priority is returning to his home in Alexandria. He intends to sleep in his own bed and build Legos with his baby sister.