Paul Alexander, famously known as Polio Paul, sadly passed away on Sunday, March 10.
In 1952, at just six, Paul was hospitalised after contracting polio. In an era when the virus claimed countless lives, Paul defied the odds, living for more than 70 years with the aid of an iron lung.
Christopher Ulmer, who initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Paul’s medical expenses, confirmed the news. Ulmer acknowledged Paul’s remarkable journey from polio survivor to accomplished individual. Despite his prolonged confinement, he became a lawyer and a published author.
Prior to his passing, Paul held the Guinness World Record for the longest tenure in an iron lung. Today, only one other person in the US is known to rely on this life-sustaining apparatus.
Tributes poured in on social media, commemorating Paul’s resilience and underscoring the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases like polio. His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of medical advancements and the fortitude of the human spirit.
Paul Alexander, a Texas man who lived in an iron lung for most of his life, has died. He was 78 years old 🙏 🕊️
pic.twitter.com/a92nE6coj8— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) March 13, 2024