Members of BEAT-HIV are committed to ensuring that people living with HIV and our constituent communities have a voice in the work that we do and are provided with HIV cure-directed education that is both relatable and accessible.
Community Voices for HIV Cure features testimonials given at annual meetings of the BEAT-HIV Collaboratory, along with other community-focused content. The selected testimonials highlight the perspective of people living with HIV and centers our yearly gathering of the scientific members of our Collaboratory by giving a face to individuals and communities most directly impacted by the research presented.
The HIV Cure Research Video Series was created out of a need to deliver accurate, community-centered information describing key messages that the BEAT-HIV CAB felt it was critical to highlight for anyone interested in HIV cure-directed research.
Jonathan Lax Memorial Award Lectures – Starting in 1996, the Jonathan Lax Memorial Award Lecture honors the memory of Jonathan Lax, a Philadelphia community leader who made significant contributions to civil rights, gay rights, and HIV activism/therapy. Hosted by The Wistar Institute, the Lax Lecture is a public lecture that brings together leading international HIV scientists to give research updates to local researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates. Mr. Lax was a businessman, inventor, teacher, and one of the best-known AIDS activists in Philadelphia’s clinical research network, working with many groups to try and speed the drug approval process. Perhaps most importantly, he was an advisor, offering the latest available information to those infected with the HIV virus – a tradition the Lecture continues to this day. Today, Mr. Lax’s legacy also includes the Jonathan Lax Center at Philadelphia FIGHT, which started as a clinic with his initial funds in 1996 and now the largest provider of AIDS care in Philadelphia.
The London Patient, Adam Castillejo – Adam Castillejo, known as the “London Patient,” is the second person known to be cured of HIV when his body became resistant to HIV infection after receiving a bone marrow transplant. Castillejo revealed his identity in 2020, so he could be an “Ambassador of Hope” to inspire others living with HIV. Castillejo is a British-Venezuelan man who has resided in London since 2000. In 2003, he was diagnosed with HIV. From that point forward he chose a life of health—exercising, eating well, and becoming a head chef. In 2011, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. After intense monitoring, many ups and downs in treatment, and much intensive preparation, Castillejo received the stem cell transplant that cured him of HIV in London in 2016. After this treatment, his body became resistant to HIV infection, and he subsequently stopped HIV medication in 2017. Since 2020, he has been an international champion of HIV research. His presentation in Philadelphia was the last stop on his international tour before returning to his home in London, United Kingdom.
