New sickle cell treatment could cure thousands in Louisiana

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Kelsi Victorian, 30, has been in and out of the hospital her whole life dealing with a disease that affects millions in the world.

“I was diagnosed at maybe around the age of two or three years old because I continued to get sick. The disease was present from the time I was born, and it’s been an uphill battle, but it’s definitely something that has made me stronger,” said Victorian.

She was tested at birth because no one in her immediate family had the disease.

But since she was around two years old, she has had to travel either out of state or to larger cities to seek help.

Most of her schooling was even done in a hospital bed.

The disease has not only taken effects on her physical abilities but her mental, as well.

“Sickle cell has taken things away from me, but it’s also maybe to realize that I have to be stronger than the average person. I like to think of it as my luggage. It’s something that I must carry with me, but it’s up to myself as to how heavy I pack it,” said Victorian.

In New York, a 21-year-old man has been cured of sickle cell anemia.

In a groundbreaking treatment, doctors used his own bone marrow in IV transfusions to create normal red blood cells – making him the first person to be cured of this devastating disease using this treatment.

Victorian says this gives her hope, that one day millions can be cured of this debilitating weight they carry.

“So being able to see that they have used his own bone marrow is a tremendous innovation. It’s something that gives so many people a great outlook on what can be done to affect the lives of those who suffer with sickle cell,” said Victorian.

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