Iron Lung Survivor Paul Alexander Passes Away at 78
WASHINGTON — In a remarkable journey that defied all odds, Paul Alexander, who spent the majority of the past seven decades in an iron lung, passed away at the age of 78. His brother, Philip Alexander, confirmed his death on Monday afternoon.
The news of Paul’s passing was shared on a GoFundMe page that was set up to assist with his housing and healthcare expenses.
“The outpouring of support and inspiration from so many people who were touched by Paul’s story is truly incredible. I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Philip expressed on the GoFundMe page.
While the exact cause of Paul’s death remains unclear, he had been hospitalized three weeks ago due to a Covid-19 infection. Despite testing negative for the virus this week, his health took a turn for the worse.
“Paul, you will be deeply missed but your legacy will live on. Thank you for sharing your remarkable story with us,” commented Christopher Ulmer, the organizer of the GoFundMe fundraiser.
Paul’s journey began in 1952 when he contracted polio at the age of 6 during the height of the epidemic in the United States. The disease left him paralyzed from the neck down and reliant on an iron lung for breathing.
Despite his physical limitations, Paul’s determination and resilience shone through. He learned breathing techniques that allowed him to temporarily leave the iron lung, pursued higher education, obtained a law degree, and practiced as a courtroom attorney for three decades.
His autobiography, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” chronicled his journey to independence and garnered widespread attention. Paul’s tenacity and spirit captured the hearts of many, inspiring a TikTok following of over 300,000.
Paul was not just a survivor; he was a passionate advocate for polio vaccination, emphasizing the importance of protecting future generations from the disease.
His legacy as the longest surviving iron lung patient, as recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2023, will forever stand as a testament to his unwavering determination and indomitable spirit.
