100th Hospital Stay Ends as Louisiana Teen Becomes First Child Cured of Sickle Cell

Louisiana has recorded its first pediatric cure for sickle cell disease. Phillip Mullin, a 15-year-old from Alexandria, was discharged from Manning Family Children's Hospital on Friday morning. He is the first patient in the state to receive Lyfgenia, a stem cell treatment designed to manage the condition.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form abnormal shapes. This condition can trigger pain, infections, and strokes. Mullin had been hospitalized more than 100 times prior to receiving the therapy. His treatment concluded with a ceremony held at the hospital earlier this week.

Shataka Figgins, Mullin's mother, spoke during the event. She described the process of unpacking her hospital bag as a moment to release years of fear. "I think I'll be unpacking every fear, every negative emotion that I had, every time I thought my baby wasn't going to be here with me," Figgins said. She added that she will remember the sleepless nights but will focus on the young man who survived the illness.

Mullin addressed the audience during the ceremony. He stated that sacrifices are necessary to gain anything. "You can't gain anything without first giving something in return, although if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle," he said. He also paid tribute to his sister, Paige, whom he called his superhero.

Paige Mullin said the moment was emotional. She noted that she never expected her brother to have this opportunity. "It just feels great," she said. Archie Manning, a New Orleans Saints legend and namesake of the hospital, attended the event. He described Mullin as a wonderful young man with a remarkable mind and called the outcome a miracle.

Mullin plans to return to school and pursue a career as a hematologist or oncologist. He wants to treat blood disorders and cancer because he understands the patient experience. "I want to be a doctor that can relate to somebody. relate to a sickle cell patient and actually know what they're going through," he said. Mullin said he hopes the therapy becomes available to more patients. His immediate plans include sleeping in his own bed and building Legos with his younger sister.