Paul Alexander, known as “The Man in the Iron Lung,” died at the age of 78 after more than 70 years in the apparatus. His death was confirmed by the organizers of the health care fundraiser. Alexander, paralyzed by polio at the age of six, achieved remarkable success, including becoming a lawyer and author.
Despite his physical limitations, he supports the rights of the disabled. Outliving his family and his original iron lung, Alexander’s resilience inspired many. He formed significant relationships and left a lasting legacy of courage and determination.
‘Man In Iron Lung’ Dies At 78
Paul Alexander, the man who lived in an iron lung for over 70 years has died at the age of 78 pic.twitter.com/f1EqaGv41G
— Pubiti (@pubiti) March 13, 2024
Paul Alexander, the man who lived in an iron lung for more than 70 years, has died at the age of 78 from COVID-19, according to a report by Evening Standard.
In a heartfelt message on Alexander’s GoFundMe page, Christopher Ulmer, a disability rights activist and organizer, announced his passing, writing: “Paul Alexander, “The Man in the Iron Lung” has passed away.
Ulmer praised Alexander’s resilience, highlighting his remarkable journey from surviving polio to living more than 70 years in an iron lung.
Despite his physical challenges, Alexander achieved remarkable success, including becoming a lawyer, author, and inspirational figure whose story touched lives around the world.
“His story traveled far and wide, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model who will be remembered forever,” added Ulmer.
The Extraordinary Life of Paul Alexander: Lawyer, Disability Rights Advocate And Author
Very sad to hear that Paul Alexander passed away yesterday at the age of 78 from Covid-19. Paul contracted polio in 1952, when he was just six years old. He ended up in an iron lung and although he could stay out of it for long periods of time, he never really left it. pic.twitter.com/nTPtALzfJu
— Kai Kupferschmidt (@kakape) March 12, 2024
Paralyzed from the neck down since contracting polio at the age of six in 1952, Alexander was one of the last people to rely on iron lungs to breathe, but despite his physical limitations, Alexander’s determination led him to achieve notable achievements, such as graduating from secondary school. without ever attending a physical education class and went on to higher education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and then law school at the University of Texas, Austin.
The Texas native achieved his dream of becoming a trial lawyer and representing his clients in court, wearing a tailored three-piece suit while sitting in a specially adapted wheelchair that supported his paralyzed frame in an upright position.
He also advocated for the rights of the disabled and recounted his experiences in a memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” which he painstakingly wrote over five years using a pen attached to a stick held in his mouth.
Paul Alexander Outlives His Original Iron Lung And His Family
@ironlungman Reply to @Michelle Great question! We had a problem with the machine yesterday. And Paul had to breathe on his own for a few minutes until we could replace the part. Apologies for the squeaking sound from the spare parts of the machine. #conversationswithpaul #ironlung #poliopaul #PaulAlexander #QandA ♬ original sound – Paul “Polio Paul” Alexander
Amazingly, Alexander outlived his parents, siblings, and even his early iron lung, which caused an air leak in 2015. A mechanic named Brady Richards came to the rescue after Alexander’s plea for help in a YouTube video.
The ventilator, resembling a large yellow metal box, requires patients to lean inside with the apparatus strapped around their neck. It works by creating a vacuum to mechanically deliver oxygen to the lungs for individuals affected by the effects of polio on their central nervous and respiratory systems.
Since there are modern alternatives to iron lungs, doctors try to wean Alexander off the machine while in the hospital, but he ends up turning blue and fainting. As a result, Alexander’s reliance on iron lungs continued despite the availability of more modern alternatives that often required invasive procedures.
Paul Alexander’s Love Story: ‘It took years to heal from that’
@ironlungman It took Paul five years to write “Three Minutes For Dogs” by typing into a computer using a pencil placed in his mouth! A link to his book can be found below on Amazon! #conversationswithpaul #ironlung #poliopaul #PaulAlexander ♬ 《电影与弦乐》雨后香气 – 没有时间的金
Throughout his life, Alexander never let an iron lung stop his aspirations, ventured into airplanes, maintained his independence, attended church, visited the ocean, and fell in love.
While at university, he meets Claire, to whom he eventually becomes engaged. Depicting their relationship, Alexander revealed to Caretaker the challenges they face, especially when Claire’s mother disapproves of their love and forbids her from talking to him.
“It took years to recover from that,” he said. Later in life, Alexander developed a close bond with Kathy Gaines, who served as his caretaker, describing her as “his arms and legs.”
After graduating from law school, Gaines provided support for more than thirty years, with Alexander acknowledging their growth together despite Gaines’s challenges of legal blindness due to type-1 diabetes.
Tributes Pour In For ‘Man In The Iron Lung’
@ironlungman Reply to @Randomes501 Not only is Paul still in action, yesterday we celebrated his 78th birthday! 🎉#perbualandenganpaul #paruseterika #poliopaul #PaulAlexander #QandA ♬ original sound – Paul “Polio Paul” Alexander
After Alexander’s death, his brother, Philip, opened his Facebook page to honor his memory with a touching and heartfelt tribute:
Philip wrote, “It was an honor to be a part of the life of someone as admired as him. He touched and inspired millions of people and that is no exaggeration.”
He added, per Every day Mail, “To me, Paul is just a brother.. just like a brother.. loving, giving advice, and scolding when necessary, and also sick in a–.. normal brother things. He ordered a room.. What a temptation! He likes good food, wine, women, long conversations, and laughter. I will miss him very much.”
Social media was also flooded with comments praising Alexander for his perseverance and bravery.
One person wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “So sad to hear that Paul Alexander died yesterday aged 78 of Covid-19. Paul contracted polio in 1952 when he was just six years old. He ended up with an iron lung, and though he could stay out of it for long periods of time, he never really left it.
Another said, “Rest in peace, poor man. You are amazing.”
Rest in peace, Paul Alexander.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
