 For now, the hope is the splash will take place July the 13th. A 12-year-old D.C. boy is preparing for a major life change the day he might be cured of sickle cell disease. As WTOP's Gigi Barnett explained, he's stated to become one of the first to receive a groundbreaking genetic therapy. Going to high school and college and being able to have fun with the rest of my friends.