The Man in the Iron Lung named Paul Alexander dies
PAUL ALEXANDER – The “Man in the Iron Lung” passed away at the age of 78.
Paul Richard Alexander was an American lawyer and a survivor of paralytic polio. Born on January 30, 1946, in Dallas, Texas, Alexander contracted polio at the age of six in 1952, leaving him permanently paralyzed except for limited movement in his head, neck, and mouth.
Notably, he was among the last individuals to live inside an iron lung, a machine aiding breathing for paralyzed individuals. Despite his physical limitations, Alexander pursued education with determination, becoming one of the first homeschooled students in the Dallas Independent School District.
He graduated with distinction from W.W. Samuell High in 1967 and later earned a scholarship to Southern Methodist University, where he furthered his education. Alexander eventually became a lawyer, contributing to society through teaching and practicing law.
Sadly, Alexander passed away on March 11, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and courage.
His death was shared on social media by Special Books by Special Kids. The Facebook page also relayed the message of Paul’s brother Philip regarding his passing. “I am so grateful to everybody who donated to my brother’s fundraiser. It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free. It will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul. I am just so grateful,” Philip said.
To recall, it was in April 2020 that Paul Alexander independently released his memoir, titled “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” with the help of his friend Norman D. Brown RN (retired). The Guardian reported that it took him over eight years to complete the book, as he utilized a plastic stick and pen to type out his story on a keyboard or dictated the words to his friend.
