Paul Alexander, a man from Texas who lived most of his life inside an iron lung, has passed away.
His obituary stated that he died on March 11 at the age of 78.
Often called “the man in the iron lung” or “polio Paul,” Paul was known for more than just his medical condition. To his younger brother, Philip, he was a person who never gave up and always aimed to make a difference.
At the age of six, Paul got polio during an outbreak in Dallas. The illness left him paralyzed from the neck down, and he needed an iron lung to help him breathe.
Even with such a difficult condition, Paul stayed hopeful. He inspired many people by the way he lived his life.
His brother Philip said Paul didn’t let his health define who he was. He always found ways to adapt and move forward.
Paul worked hard in school. He earned a degree in economics from Southern Methodist University and later studied law at the University of Texas. He passed the bar exam and became a lawyer in Dallas.
In March 2024, Paul was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-living person to use an iron lung.
His brother said that without their parents’ and friends’ strong support, Paul wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much.
Paul also used social media to share messages of hope. He gained followers from different parts of the world who were touched by his story.
In one of his videos, Paul said, “I miss feeling the warmth of the sun,” but he still held on to hope and stayed positive.
A fundraising campaign was set up to help cover the cost of his care, including maintaining his iron lung and living expenses.
In his final weeks, Paul caught COVID-19. Despite knowing the risks, he stayed calm and appreciated every day.
On the night before he passed away, he told his brother, “This is perfect.”
Paul’s story continues to be remembered for his strength, steady outlook, and quiet determination.
