Remembering Paul Alexander, the Last Man to Live in an Iron Lung
Paul Alexander, the last man in the United States living in an iron lung, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. Paul’s journey began when he contracted polio at the young age of 6 in 1956. Throughout his life, he shared his experiences on social media, where he became known as “Polio Paul” on TikTok, amassing over 330,000 followers.
In February, news broke that Paul wasn’t well, as he tested positive for COVID-19 and was rushed to the ER. Despite living in an iron lung for over seven decades, Paul managed to lead a remarkable life. He even pursued a career in law, earning his degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986.
Paul’s journey through law school was nothing short of inspiring. With unwavering concentration, he overcame the challenges posed by his condition. Upon graduating and passing the bar exam, he started his own successful law practice. However, his inability to leave the iron lung and go to work made him vulnerable to theft by those he trusted.
Due to the high cost of healthcare and being taken advantage of, Paul found himself struggling to survive financially. His GoFundMe campaign shed light on his difficult circumstances. It became apparent that he needed funds to maintain the iron lung, afford healthcare, and secure suitable housing that accommodated his needs. Despite these challenges, Paul continued to share his story with the world.
Upon the news of his passing, Christopher Ulmer, the organizer of Paul’s GoFundMe, expressed gratitude to Paul for sharing his story and leaving a lasting impact. Paul’s brother also shared a heartfelt statement, expressing his gratitude for everyone who donated to the campaign. The donations allowed Paul to live his last few years stress-free and will also cover his funeral expenses during this difficult time.
Paul Alexander’s story touched the lives of many. His determination, resilience, and courage inspired people all over the world. We remember him for his strength and his ability to find meaning in life, even under extraordinary circumstances. Paul’s legacy serves as a reminder to us all to appreciate our health, cherish every moment, and support one another.
Remembering Paul Alexander, the last man living in an iron lung in the United States.
