Paul Alexander had a challenging childhood due to his battle of polio. He contracted the disease as a child in the 1950s, which caused paralysis and limited his mobility in life, because of this he was placed into an iron lung. However, Alexander didn’t let these obstacles stop him from finding himself. He faced adversity with strength and determination, ultimately shaping him into the resilient individual he was. Despite the difficulties, he continued to pursue his education and eventually became a successful lawyer. Alexander’s childhood was marked by resilience, perseverance, and the will to overcome any challenge while being in an iron lung.
Paul Alexander accomplished incredible things as the longest person who has ever survived polio. Despite relying on an iron lung to help him breathe, he pursued a career as a lawyer and became successful in his field. Additionally, Alexander has dedicated his life to advocating for polio eradication, using his own experiences to raise awareness and support for the cause. His resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Alexander’s impact extends far beyond his personal journey, making a positive difference in the lives of many.
What is an Iron lung and how does it work? An iron lung is a type of medical device used to help people breathe when their normal lung function is impaired. It is a large, cylindrical machine that encloses a person’s entire body, except for their head. The person lies inside the iron lung, and the machine creates negative pressure around their chest, causing the lungs to expand and contract, mimicking the natural breathing process. This helps individuals with respiratory conditions, like polio, who have difficulty breathing on their own. The iron lung played a significant role in supporting the respiratory needs of polio survivors like Paul Alexander.
Unfortunately, Paul passed away on March 11, 2024. He was hospitalized in February due to Covid-19, but the actual cause of death was very unclear. He was one of the last two victims of polio survivors to be using the technology, alongside Martha Lillard.
