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‘A leap of faith’: Nashville teen makes history with gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease
By Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A 13-year-old Nashville boy has spent 42 days hospitalized at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital as part of a gene-editing treatment that doctors say could potentially cure sickle cell disease.Rickey Buggs, who has lived with sickle cell since infancy, became the hos...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - A 13-year-old Nashville boy has spent 42 days hospitalized at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital as part of a gene-editing treatment that doctors say could potentially cure sickle cell disease.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The successful administration of gene-editing treatment to a Nashville teen at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital marks a significant milestone in the local medical community's efforts to combat sickle cell disease. As a condition that disproportionately affects minority communities, this breakthrough has particular relevance for Nashville's diverse population. With roughly 100,000 people nationwide affected by the disease, the potential for this therapy to improve lives is substantial. Dr. Haydar Frangoul's expertise and the hospital's capabilities have positioned Nashville as a hub for innovative treatments, attracting patients like Rickey Buggs who are seeking life-changing care. As Buggs continues his treatment, the community will be watching closely to see how this therapy can be made more widely available to those in need, and what implications it may have for the local healthcare landscape. The treatment's success could pave the way for further investment in gene-editing research and development in Nashville.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A 13-year-old Nashville boy has spent 42 days hospitalized at TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital as part of a gene-editing treatment that doctors say could potentially cure sickle cell disease.Rickey Buggs, who has lived with sickle cell since infancy, became the hos...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jordan James at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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