15-Year-Old Louisiana Patient Receives State's First Pediatric Dose of Lyfgenia

Phillip Mullin, a 15-year-old resident of Alexandria, has become the first child in Louisiana to receive Lyfgenia, a stem cell gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

Mullin was discharged from Manning Family Children's Hospital in New Orleans on Friday. He is the first patient in the state to undergo the specific treatment that offers a functional cure for the condition. Prior to the procedure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that sickle cell disease creates abnormal red blood cells, leading to complications such as pain, infection, and stroke.

The hospital held a ceremony to mark the occasion. Shataka Figgins, Mullin's mother, said the process has been physically and mentally draining. She stated that she is now unpacking not just his belongings, but also the fear and negative emotions associated with his long medical history. Figgins recalled sleepless nights spent worrying about her son's endurance, adding that she will remember the young man who survived the ordeal.

Mullin addressed the audience during the event, noting that sacrifices are necessary to gain anything. He said that enduring pain allows a person to develop a strong heart capable of overcoming obstacles. He also dedicated the moment to his sister, Paige, whom he described as his superhero. Paige said she never imagined he would get the chance for this treatment, calling the experience great.

Archie Manning, a New Orleans Saints legend and one of the hospital's namesakes, spoke after the ceremony. He said he had never seen a journey like Mullin's and described the outcome as a miracle. Manning called the teen a wonderful young man with a remarkable mind.

Mullin plans to return to school and eventually study medicine. He aims to become a hematologist/oncologist to help patients navigate blood disorders. He said he wants to be a doctor who can relate to sickle cell patients by understanding their experiences firsthand.

For the immediate future, Mullin said his goal is to sleep in his own bed and build Lego sets with his younger sister.