Phillip Mullin becomes Louisiana's first child cured of sickle cell via gene therapy

Phillip Mullin left Manning Family Children's Hospital on Friday morning, marking the end of a medical journey that included more than 100 hospitalizations. At 15, the Alexandria resident is the first child in Louisiana to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene therapy.

Mullin is also the first person in the state to receive Lyfgenia, a stem cell treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sickle cell disease causes abnormal red blood cells, leading to pain, infection, and stroke. For Mullin, the condition required frequent medical intervention over his lifetime.

The discharge was marked by a ceremony at the hospital. Mullin’s mother, Shataka Figgins, said the process of leaving involves unpacking more than just physical items. She described releasing the fear and negative emotions accumulated during sleepless nights when she worried about her son’s survival. Figgins said she will focus on the young man who endured the pain.

During his speech, Mullin addressed the audience, noting that sacrifices are necessary to gain new strength. He stated that enduring pain allows a person to develop a heart strong enough to overcome obstacles. He dedicated part of his remarks to his sister, Paige, whom he called his superhero. Paige said the moment was emotional because she had not always expected him to have this specific opportunity. She described the feeling as great.

Archie Manning, a New Orleans Saints legend and namesake of the hospital, attended the event. He said he had never seen anything quite like Mullin describing his journey. Manning called Mullin a wonderful young man with a remarkable mind and described the outcome as a miracle.

Mullin said he hopes as many people with sickle cell disease as possible will access stem cell gene therapy. He plans to return to school and eventually become a hematologist/oncologist. He wants to be a doctor who can relate to sickle cell patients and understand their experience. For now, his immediate plans are to sleep in his own bed and build Legos with his baby sister.