Ron Woodroof, a real-life electrician and rodeo cowboy, is diagnosed with HIV, leading to a 30-day prognosis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves AZT (zidovudine) as the first drug to treat HIV/AIDS, despite controversies regarding its efficacy and side effects.
Ron Woodroof creates the Dallas Buyers Club to distribute alternative HIV treatments to patients who cannot obtain them through conventional channels.
Ron Woodroof fights legal battles with the FDA over the importation and distribution of non-FDA-approved HIV medications for his buyers' club.
Ron Woodroof dies of AIDS-related complications, several years after his initial diagnosis, having significantly impacted access to alternative HIV treatments.
Ron Woodroof is diagnosed with AIDS in 1985, which sets the story in motion as he faces mortality and discrimination.
Ron meets Rayon, a transgender woman and fellow AIDS patient, who becomes his friend and business partner.
Frustrated with the lack of treatment options in the U.S., Ron travels to Mexico to obtain unapproved drugs that help alleviate symptoms.
Ron begins distributing and selling alternative AIDS treatments to other patients by forming the Dallas Buyers Club, bypassing FDA restrictions.
Ron faces legal challenges and confrontations with the FDA and doctors due to his illegal distribution of unapproved drugs.
Ron and Rayon grow closer as they work together to help other patients through the Buyers Club.
Ron experiences ups and downs in his health due to his unconventional treatments and ongoing struggle with AIDS.
Dr. Eve Saks, initially skeptical, becomes involved with the Buyers Club after seeing Ron's determination and the patients' needs.
Ron begins advocating for patients’ rights and pushes against governmental and institutional resistance to AIDS treatments.
Rayon dies from complications related to AIDS, profoundly affecting Ron.
Ron continues to help AIDS patients until his death in 1992, leaving behind the legacy of the Buyers Club.
