In 2007, Brown received a bone marrow transplant from a donor who was HIV resistant. He initially underwent the transplant to fight leukemia. As a result of this genetic defense against HIV, Brown became the first person in the world to be cured of HIV. A subsequent bone marrow transplant (from the same donor) cured Brown of leukemia. At first he was listed anonymously as the ‘Berlin Patient’. In 2010 Brown decided to reveal his identity. He remained free of HIV for the rest of his life.
In mid-September, the bad news came that the cancer was back and that Brown did not have long to live. On September 29, Brown passed away at the age of 54, along with his partner and friends. His partner wrote on his Facebook: “I am blessed to have shared a life together, but I am devastated that my hero is now gone. Tim was the sweetest person in the world and his spirit will live on. Celebrate Tim’s life and have hope. ”
Since Timothy Ray Brown’s cure, a second man has been cured of HIV in the same way, named Adam Castillejo.
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