Iron Lung Man, Polio Survivor and Lawyer Paul Alexander, Dies at 78

March 13, 2024
Iron Lung Man, Polio Survivor and Lawyer Paul Alexander, Dies at 78
  • Paul Alexander, known as 'Polio Paul', died at 78 from Covid-19 after living 70 years in an iron lung due to paralysis from polio.

  • He was likely the last person in the US using an iron lung, a device no longer supported by manufacturers.

  • Alexander defied odds by becoming a lawyer and an author, practicing law for 30 years and publishing his autobiography.

  • A GoFundMe for his housing and healthcare announced his death; he had been hospitalized for Covid-19 but was not testing positive at his time of death.

  • An advocate for polio vaccination, Paul Alexander gained a following on TikTok, sharing his achievements and experiences in an iron lung.

  • He held the record for the longest time spent in an iron lung and worked to inspire those with disabilities.

  • Paul's story underscores the importance of vaccines in controlling infectious diseases and highlights the extraordinary resilience of the individuals affected.

Summary based on 28 sources


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