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(Gray News) – Paul Alexander, one of the last people to live inside an iron lung, has reportedly died. He was 78 years old.
Paul Alexander contracted polio when he was 6 years old in 1952 and quickly lost the use of most of his body. To survive, he was put in an iron lung, a machine that stimulates breathing in people who have lost the use of their respiratory muscles.
Despite the monumental setback, Alexander went to college, became a lawyer with a successful practice, and even became a published author.
Alejandro would live more than 70 years in the iron lung.
Christopher Ulmer, educator and YouTuber, interviewed Alexander in 2022 through his youtube channel Special books for special children. After the interview, Ulmer launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Alexander pay to maintain his iron lung, pay for his medical care, and find affordable housing that fits his needs. At the time, Alexander lived in a one-bedroom apartment with no windows, Ulmer said.
“Well, I didn’t die,” Alexander said during the interview. “God didn’t want me to die. So I kept living. And it changed all the time. But it was funny. I loved it. I enjoyed the fight. I enjoyed the challenges. “I enjoyed the people.”
Alexander also explained a technique he used to survive outside the huge respirator for hours at a time, which involved intentionally swallowing air.
When asked if he thought his permanent disability was fair or unfair, Alexander responded by saying he had never seen it in those terms.
“I took it as, ‘Wow, thank God he chose me to do this,’” he said.
In March 2024, Ulmer published a update to the GoFundMe saying that Alexander passed away on Sunday, March 11.
“His story traveled far, positively influencing people around the world. “Paul was an incredible role model who will continue to be remembered,” Ulmer wrote in the post.
Ulmer also conveyed a message from Alexander’s brother, Philip Alexander.
“I am very grateful (sic) to everyone who donated to my brother’s fundraiser. He allowed her to live her last years without stress. He will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that Paul inspired so many people. I am very grateful,” said Philip Alexander.
NPR reports that at least one other person depends on an iron lung to live. Martha Lillard contracted polio a year after Paul Alexander.
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