Paul Alexander’s life was truly remarkable. Paralyzed by polio at just six years old, he spent most of his life inside an iron lung—a large, metal respirator invented in the 1920s to help patients breathe when their muscles could no longer do so on their own. Paul was one of the last people in the world still using this nearly obsolete machine.
In 1952, during one of the worst polio outbreaks in the United States, Paul became seriously ill. His condition worsened rapidly; he could no longer swallow, hold anything, or breathe properly. After an emergency tracheotomy, he was placed in an iron lung, where he spent 18 months recovering. At that time, thousands of children suffered from polio, and many lost their lives. In fact, the year Paul fell ill, nearly 58,000 people contracted the disease in the U.S., and over 3,000 died.
Initially, one doctor even pronounced Paul dead, but thankfully another doctor saved him with the emergency procedure. When he woke up inside the iron lung, he was terrified and confused, unable to move or speak, unsure if he was alive or dead. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Paul refused to give up.
With the help of a dedicated therapist named Mrs. Sullivan, he learned a breathing technique called “frog breathing,” which allowed him to breathe outside the iron lung for short periods. This small victory gave him hope and independence. Over time, he was able to spend more time out of the machine, slowly regaining control over his life.
Paul’s determination led him to incredible achievements. He became the first person in Dallas to graduate from high school with honors without ever attending classes physically. He fought hard to get into college, eventually enrolling at Southern Methodist University despite many rejections. He was accepted under the condition that he receive the polio vaccine and that a fraternity would take responsibility for him. He didn’t stop there; he went on to law school at the University of Texas at Austin, passed the bar, and practiced law in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 30 years.
Even though modern ventilators had become available, Paul chose to continue using his iron lung, the machine that had literally kept him alive. He even traveled with it, taking it to college and other places, surprising and inspiring those around him. When his iron lung nearly broke down years ago, he scoured barns, garages, and junk shops for old machines and spare parts to keep it running.
Paul’s life was a testament to resilience and courage. He typed his own book using a pen attached to a stick, proving that no physical limitation could stop him from achieving his dreams. Despite facing discrimination and discomfort from others early in life, he persevered and lived an inspiring, full life.
Paul Alexander passed away in March 2024. His brother Philip remembers him not for his illness, but for his warmth, humor, and vibrant spirit. They shared a close bond, just like any brothers do, full of love, fights, and laughter. Paul’s story continues to inspire people worldwide, reminding us that the greatest limits are those we place on ourselves.
His journey shows that with determination and support, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. Paul Alexander’s legacy is one of hope, strength, and the power of never giving up.
