Paul Alexander, known as Polio Paul, has lived inside an iron lung since he was six years old and has now sadly died at 78.
Paul contracted polio in 1952, at age six, and was rushed to a hospital in Texas after developing symptoms. He woke up inside the mechanical lung and it would be where he spent the rest of his life.
An update on his GoFundMe announced the news: “Paul Alexander, “The Man in the Iron Lung” has passed away yesterday.
“After surviving polio as a child, he lived over 70 years inside of an iron lung. During this time Paul went to college, became a lawyer, and a published author.
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“His story traveled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered.
“Paul, you will be missed but always remembered”.
His brother, Philip, sent a message to those who donated: “I am so grateful to everybody who donated to my brother’s fundraiser. It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free.
“It will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul.
“I am just so grateful.”
Donations for the GoFundMe have been turned off, with more than $146,000 raised in total so far.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a viral infection that only affects children usually under the age of five.
There is no cure for the condition and it can cause paralysis, shrinking of the muscles, muscle weakness, or death.
The virus hasn’t been often seen since a widespread vaccination program decades ago.
Paul was left unable to move from the neck down, as he contracted the virus before a vaccine was created.
He decided to continue using the mechanical lung over modern ventilators after the 1960s as it was what he was used to.
Paul graduated from high school and went on to university to study law. He even represented clients in court, wearing a three-piece suit in a wheelchair. He would practice ‘frog breathing’ which lets people gulp air down their throats instead of lungs, but it can only be used for short periods.
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