Paul Alexander, a Texas man who spent most of his life in an iron lung chamber due to contracting polio in the 1940s, has passed away at the age of 78. He had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 but the exact cause of his death is unknown. Despite his physical limitations, Alexander maintained a positive outlook on life and shared his experiences on social media platforms like TikTok, where he had millions of views.
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1978 and a law degree in 1984 from the University of Texas, Alexander was a driven individual with a strong faith in God. Throughout his life, he inspired those around him with his positivity and determination. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Alexander found ways to be productive and stay active, such as using a stick in his mouth to type on a computer and answer the phone.
Daniel Spinks, a longtime friend of Alexander, shared that he became friends with him when he worked as his driver and helper in 2000. He would assist Alexander in getting to court proceedings and other appointments, as he could only spend limited time outside of the iron lung. Although Alexander faced challenges as he grew older, requiring him to spend more time in the iron lung, he remained committed to living life to the fullest and advocating for the inclusion of disabled individuals in society.
Alexander’s story gained attention from various platforms, including an interview with Chris Ulmer, the founder of Special Books By Special Kids, a social media platform that showcases the stories of disabled individuals. Ulmer noted that Alexander’s vibrant and joyful energy was contagious, and his passion for inspiring others was evident in his interactions with people. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, Alexander continued to have a positive impact on those around him.
Polio, once a feared disease that primarily affected children, was largely eradicated in the United States through vaccination campaigns in the mid-20th century. The number of cases dramatically decreased, leading to the declaration that polio had been eliminated in the U.S. in 1979. Despite the progress made in combating the disease, individuals like Paul Alexander served as a reminder of the lasting impact of polio on those who were affected by it. His resilience and determination to live a fulfilling life despite his physical limitations were a testament to his strength and character.