Paul Alexander, famously known as “The Man in the Iron Lung” or “Polio Paul,” has passed away, marking the end of an extraordinary life defined by courage, resilience, and medical history. He was 78.
Struck by polio at the age of six in 1952, Alexander was left paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a mechanical respirator—commonly known as an iron lung—to survive. Despite a grim prognosis, he defied the odds, living for over seven decades with the support of the vintage machine.
Throughout his life, Alexander became a symbol of perseverance. Using a specially designed stick in his mouth, he taught himself to write, earned a law degree, and advocated for disability rights and polio awareness. His story drew global attention and inspired many across generations.
Tributes have poured in on social media, where many remember him not just for his condition, but for his strength of character and unwavering will to live a meaningful life.
“Paul’s journey reminds us all of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of compassion and innovation in healthcare,” one tribute read.
Paul Alexander’s life remains a powerful legacy of hope, ingenuity, and unbreakable spirit.
