He survived polio. He defied every medical expectation. He lived in a machine for more than seven decades. And now, the world is saying goodbye to one of the most remarkable people of our time.

Paul Alexander, known to many as “The Man in the Iron Lung,” has died at age 78. His death marks the end of a truly unique life story that captivated and inspired millions across generations.

Born in 1946 near Dallas, Texas, Paul’s life changed forever at the age of six when he was struck by the devastating polio epidemic of 1952. The virus paralyzed him from the neck down in just a matter of days. He was placed inside an iron lung, a mechanical ventilator that would become both his lifeline and his lifelong companion.

While most would have given up, Paul did the unthinkable. He earned a high school diploma, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a law degree, and practiced law for more than 30 years. He wrote his memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog,” by typing each word with a stick held in his mouth. His determination was unmatched, his resilience unshakable.

Paul became a master of “frog breathing,” a technique that allowed him to briefly breathe outside the iron lung. Even as modern ventilators became widely available, Paul chose to remain in the machine he had known since childhood. Volunteers and supporters helped keep the iron lung running with parts salvaged from antique models and mechanical repairs few could manage.

In March 2024, Paul Alexander passed away peacefully. His death closed a chapter in both medical and human history. But what he left behind was more than a story of survival—it was a legacy of hope, brilliance, and extraordinary willpower.

In his later years, Paul became a powerful advocate for vaccines. He often spoke about how his life could have been entirely different had the polio vaccine arrived just a few years earlier.

“I don’t want anyone else to live like this,” he said. “And they don’t have to.”

Paul’s story is a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. His voice may be silent now, but his message echoes louder than ever.

Rest in peace, Paul. You taught the world what true strength looks like.