- “Polio Paul” dies at 78
- Lived 70 years in iron lung
- Inspired many, published autobiography
Paul Alexander, commonly referred to as “Polio Paul,” was rendered incapacitated below the neck after contracting the viral disease in the summer of 1952 at the age of six. He was hurried to the hospital in Texas, where he would spend the remainder of his life after awakening inside the metal cylinder.
A polio survivor who spent seven decades confined to an iron respirator has passed away at the age of 78.
Paul Alexander, commonly referred to as “Polio Paul,” was rendered incapacitated below the neck after contracting the viral disease in the summer of 1952 at the age of six.
He was hurried to the hospital in Texas, where he would spend the remainder of his life after awakening inside the metal cylinder.
An update by Christopher Ulmer, the page’s organizer, on Paul Alexander’s GoFundMe page reads: “‘The Man in the Iron Lung’ Paul Alexander died yesterday.
“Having survived childhood polio, he spent more than seventy years confined to an iron lung.”
During this period, Paul attended college, practiced law, and published an autobiography.
“His narrative had a profound and positive impact on individuals across the globe, spreading like wildfire.” Paul shall forever be regarded as an extraordinary role model.
Mr. Ulmer stated that in 2022, he met and interviewed Mr. Alexander.
In a statement published on the website by Mr. Ulmer, Philip Alexander, the sibling of Mr. Alexander, expressed his gratitude “to all those who contributed to my brother’s fundraising effort.”
“It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free,” according to him.
Additionally, it will provide financial support for his funeral amidst this challenging period.
“It is truly astounding to read the comments and to realize that Paul inspired so many individuals.” I am incredibly appreciative.”
Mr. Ulmer continued, “Paul, you will be eternally remembered but sorely missed.” We appreciate you sharing your narrative with us.
After learning to breathe, Mr. Alexander was able to exit his iron lung for a few hours at a time. To communicate with others, he would use a plastic stick with an attached pen and a keyboard.
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Subsequently, he documented his life in a book entitled Three Minutes For A Dog.
Reportedly, his health has declined in recent years, as he has developed a chronic respiratory infection and experienced leg discomfort with each movement.
During an April 2020 interview with The Guardian, Mr. Alexander discussed his apprehensions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
He compared the polio epidemic in the United States during the 1950s to COVID-19, stating, “It’s almost unsettling how exactly it was.”
“It scares me.”
Mr. Alexander recollected the responses of individuals upon his appearance, stating, “You would not believe the number of individuals who entered my law firm, observed my iron lung, and inquired, ‘What is that?’ I would respond, ‘It’s an iron lung.'”
“‘What does it do?’ ‘Breathe for me’.”
