Paul Alexander, popularly known as “Polio Paul,” was paralysed from the neck down after contracting the viral illness when he was six years old in the summer of 1952. After being taken to a Texas hospital by ambulance, he awoke inside the metal cylinder that would house him for the remainder of his life.
At the age of 78, a polio survivor who spent 70 years inside an iron lung passed away.
Paul Alexander, popularly known as “Polio Paul,” was paralysed from the neck down after contracting the viral illness when he was six years old in the summer of 1952.
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After being taken to a Texas hospital by ambulance, he awoke inside the metal cylinder that would house him for the remainder of his life.
Christopher Ulmer, the page’s organiser, sent an update on his GoFundMe page saying, “Paul Alexander, ‘The Man in the Iron Lung,’ passed away yesterday.”
“He lived inside of an iron lung for more than 70 years after surviving childhood polio.
Paul attended college, graduated, and started a career as a published author during this time.
His narrative spread far and wide, having a good impact on individuals all around the world. Paul will always be remembered as a fantastic role model.”
In 2022, Mr. Ulmer claimed to have met and interviewed Mr. Alexander.
Philip Alexander, the brother of Mr. Alexander, expressed his gratitude “to everybody who donated to my brother’s fundraiser” in a statement that Mr. Ulmer placed on the website.
“It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free,” he stated.
It will also cover his burial expenses during this trying time.
“Reading through all of the comments and realising how many people Paul inspired is just amazing. I’m really very appreciative.”
“Paul, you will be missed but always remembered,” Mr. Ulmer continued. We appreciate you telling us your tale.”
After teaching himself to breathe, Mr. Alexander was able to leave his iron lung for a few hours at a period. He would then use a plastic stick with a pen attached to tap on a keyboard to interact with others.
Later on, he would pen his life’s narrative in a book called Three Minutes For A Dog.
According to reports, his health declined in the past few years, and he started to have leg pain whenever he moved and a chronic lung infection.
