MIAMI -- Doctors in Miami said they believe an 18-year-old boy appears to have been cured of sickle cell disease, which is widely known as a disease without a cure.

Travis Washington was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia when he was two weeks old, WPLG-TV reported. Years of hospital visits followed, ultimately taking a painful toll on Washington and his family. He has suffered two major strokes due to the disorder, the more recent of which left half his body paralyzed.

The name "sickle cell" is derived from odd-shaped red blood cells that restrict blood flow through the body.

"When that blockage of blood flow occurs, then there's no oxygen, there's no nutrition, and the cells on the other parts of the body wind up dying. So this is going to affect any organ in the body," said Dr. Daniel Armstrong of Holtz Children's Hospital.

Hospital staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital had an idea to test Washington's five siblings for a possible bone marrow match, one of few ways doctors attempt to relieve the painful symptoms of sickle cell disease.

His brother Trevis, who is one year younger, proved to be a perfect fit, and Travis Washington underwent a bone marrow transplant.

"I was very excited just to give him a new chance," Trevis Washington said.

The procedure, performed last month, was a success. Travis Washington's symptoms have subsided, and doctors believe he has been cured of sickle cell disease, which only happens in rare cases.

"I'm so numb because I've been waiting for this for so long. Hope -- this was our last hope," said Shirley Ambrister, the boys' mother.

One in 1,000 babies in the U.S. are born with the genetic blood disorder, according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Treating the disease is often difficult, and only 30 percent of people who are diagnosed have a relative that could serve as a potential bone marrow donor.

Travis Washington will face a long road to recovery. The 18-year-old has a weakened immune system due to the procedure and must wear a face mask to prevent infections. The teen also has been prescribed two dozen pills that he must take daily.

Doctors believe Travis Washington could be living a normal life in 12 months. When asked his biggest wish once his health is restored, Travis Washington told a room full of media representatives that he would like to ride his dirt bike.