Mr. Castillejo delivered an inspirational and candid talk, sharing his journey from the emotional turmoil of his HIV-1 diagnosis in 2003 to the despair of receiving a death sentence when diagnosed with aggressive late-stage lymphoma in 2012. Ironically, it was this cancer diagnosis that ultimately led him on the path to being cured of HIV.

The contrast between Mr. Castillejo today—vibrant, long-haired, and full of humor—and a photograph of him from 2016 was striking. Four years of chemotherapy had left him noticeably underweight, bald, and with darkened skin. This served as a powerful reminder that behind every headline and statistic regarding novel treatments and potential cures for life-threatening diseases is an individual with a unique story.

In 2016, Mr. Castillejo underwent a bone marrow transplant from a German donor carrying the CCR5-Δ32 mutation. This mutation in the CCR5 receptor prevents HIV-1 from entering cells. The transplant enabled his immune system to generate new, resistant cells. Today, eight years post-transplant, he is fully free of the virus.

Interestingly, Mr. Castillejo prefers to identify as a cancer survivor, noting that while he continues to receive regular checkups from his medical team, his primary concern is the potential return of his lymphoma rather than HIV.

Following his captivating talk, we were delighted to have Mr. Castillejo join CRC1279 for dinner at one of Ulm’s local restaurants. He enjoyed traditional German cuisine, recalling his days as a professional chef during his initial diagnosis.

In conclusion, we are grateful to have hosted Mr. Castillejo. His story and insights serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of the dedication and efforts of scientists and doctors worldwide—efforts that are deeply appreciated by the patients who benefit from them.