He died at 78 years old Paul Alexander, the man known throughout the world as “the man with the iron lung”. Alexander had survived a polio epidemic as a child, which left him paralyzed for life. From 1952 to 2024, he lived on an artificial respirator.
In recent weeks, Alexander had been hospitalized after contracting Covid. He was then discharged, but his condition worsened until he died.
A life against all adversities
Despite his disability, Alexander led a full and successful life. He attended college and became a lawyer. In 2020, he published his memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog.”
A symbol of hope and resilience
Paul Alexander's story is an example of hope and resilience. He showed the world that it is possible to live a full and meaningful life even in the face of enormous challenges.
The GoFundMe petition
In his final years, Alexander lived in a small, windowless studio apartment and struggled to maintain his “iron lung” and afford health care. A GoFundMe petition had been launched to help with his expenses.
Brother's message
The announcement of his death was made on the petition website. Alexander's brother wrote: “I am very grateful to everyone who donated to my brother's fundraiser. It allowed him to live his last years stress-free. Additionally, it will help pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It's absolutely amazing to read all the comments and know that so many people have been inspired by Paul. I'm so grateful.”