Iron Lung Survivor Paul Alexander Passes Away at 78: A Life of Resilience and Achievement

Paul Alexander, who lived with polio and relied on an iron lung for over seven decades, died at the age of 78.

Paul Alexander, known as “The Man in the Iron Lung,” has passed away at the age of 78. Despite being paralyzed by polio at the age of six, Alexander lived a remarkable life as a published author, lawyer, and traveler, inspiring people worldwide with his positivity and determination.

Alexander’s journey began when he contracted polio in 1952, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his physical limitations, he pursued education, becoming the first person to graduate from a Dallas high school without attending classes in person. He later earned a law degree and represented clients in court.

Throughout his life, Alexander remained in the iron lung, relying on it for respiratory support. Despite advancements in medical technology, he chose to stick with the machine he was accustomed to. His memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” detailed his experiences and took over eight years to complete, each word painstakingly written with a pen attached to a stick in his mouth.

Alexander’s resilience extended beyond his personal achievements. He advocated for disability rights, staged sit-ins, and continued to inspire others through his TikTok videos, even in his final months.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of perseverance and positivity will continue to inspire generations to come.

Paul Alexander’s death at 78 marks the end of an extraordinary life defined by resilience and achievement despite immense physical challenges. His story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity.