Louisiana
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.
Copyright 2025 KPLC. All rights reserved.
A private organization entrusted with money intended to protect Louisiana from the cost of abandoned oil and gas wells used funds to make below-market loans benefiting a senior state regulator, his re…
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NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A driver died from a gunshot wound after a Louisiana State Police car chase in New Orleans Saturday evening (June 20), but troopers say they did not fire the gun.
Troop NOLA confirmed the car chase ended near Franklin Avenue and North Miro Street Saturday. Troopers said they found the driver shot and brought them to the hospital, where that person died.
The driver’s identity has not been released.
A Troop NOLA spokesperson said he could not confirm if anyone else was in the car, if anyone has been arrested, or if troopers found a gun.
A spokesperson said more details will be released as a state police force investigation continues.
Troop NOLA is a special investigation unit tasked with proactive policing, traffic enforcement and crime reduction.
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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Shelby Bordelon of Iberville Parish was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 Saturday night in Monroe, earning the title and a $15,000 scholarship. Bordelon, a graduate student at Southeastern Louisiana University, said the role is about more than pageantry, emphasizing the yearlong service mission tied to the crown.
“Part of the mission of this organization is the service behind it,” Bordelon said. “And the service is so important, you are serving your state for a year… having the opportunities to connect with others… to continue making an impact and leaving my mark on others as well.”
Bordelon, who finished first runner-up in last year’s competition, said the moment her name was called as the winner still hasn’t fully sunk in.
“It was every emotion you could think of that was running through my mind at that moment,” she said, adding she focused on preparation and perspective this year. “I really wanted to go into this year with no regrets… just really trusting in that mindset and that plan.”
Bordelon said she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness for her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise, which focuses on combating drunk driving.
You can learn more about the nonprofit here. She will now represent Louisiana at the Miss America Pageant, which begins in late August in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
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