He lived 70 years in an iron lung: the extraordinary life of “Polio Paul”, who died this Monday at the age of 78

Paul Alexander dans son poumon d'acier. Capture d'écran

This Monday, March 11, 2024, "Polio Paul", a polio survivor who lived in an iron lung for 70 years, died. He was 78 years old. 

Paul Alexander, better known as "the man with the iron lung" or “Polio Paul”, was left paralyzed after being stricken with polio in Dallas, Texas. He could only move his head, neck and mouth. Doctors had put him in an iron lung so he could survive. 

What is polio ?

Polio, is an acute infectious diseaseë and contagious due to à a virus. It affects the spinal cord and can cause paralysis of the lower limbs and the respiratory system. Thanks to à mass vaccination in most countries, this disease has been practically eradicated except in three in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan where; several cases are still recorded.

Died at the age of 78

The machine kept him alive for seven decades, but unfortunately he died at the age of 78 this Monday March 11, 2024 reveals < em>GoFundMe : "The man with the iron lung died yesterday. After surviving polio as a child, he lived for over 70 years in an iron lung".

Christophe Ulmer, the organizer of the prize pool, wrote the message sent to him by Philip, Paul's brother:"I am so grateful to everyone who donated to my brother's fundraiser. This allowed him to live his last years without stress. It will also 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"

Lawyer and author

Despite his disability, Paul went to college to become a lawyer and author. He notably published his biography "Three minutes for a dog: my life in an iron lung" in 2020. He was recognized by Guinness World Records as having spent the longest time living in an iron lung.