Paul Alexander, popularly known as “Polio Paul,” was paralyzed from the neck down after contracting the viral illness when he was six years old in the summer of 1952.
After being taken to a Texas hospital by ambulance, he awoke inside the metal cylinder that would house him for the remainder of his life.
Christopher Ulmer, the page’s organizer, posted an update on his GoFundMe page saying, “Paul Alexander, ‘The Man in the Iron Lung,’ passed away yesterday.”
“He lived inside of an iron lung for more than 70 years after surviving childhood polio.
Paul attended college, graduated, and started a career as a published author during this time.
His narrative spread far and wide, having a good impact on individuals all around the world. Paul will always be remembered as a fantastic role model.”
