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Paul Alexander

All articles tagged with #paul alexander

world6 hours ago•19 min saved

Seven decades inside an iron lung: a polio survivor's remarkable life

Paul Alexander contracted polio at six and spent more than 70 years in an iron lung, becoming the world’s longest-known survivor to rely on the device. He learned glossopharyngeal breathing to spend more time out of the machine, earned a UT Austin education and a law degree, and ran a Dallas practice with a devoted network of family and caregivers. After a 2015 replacement iron lung was found, Guinness World Records recognized him in 2023 as the longest-living iron-lung user; he died in 2024 at 78. His life illustrates polio’s history, the vaccine era, and the resilience of independence-seeking individuals with disabilities.

via The Times of India|

#disability-rights #guinness-world-records #iron-lung

obituary2 years ago•2 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, 78, Dies After Decades in Iron Lung"

Paul Alexander, who spent most of the past 70 years in an iron lung after contracting polio at the age of 6, passed away at 78. Despite his condition, he became a lawyer, author, and advocate for polio vaccination. He defied expectations by learning to breathe independently for short periods, graduating college, and practicing law for 30 years. Paul's life and accomplishments inspired many, and he had gained a large following on TikTok before his passing.

via Yahoo Life|

#advocate #iron-lung #obituary

obituary2 years ago•2 min saved

Iron Lung Survivor Paul Alexander Dies at 78

Paul Alexander, a lawyer and TikTok star who spent 72 years in an iron lung after being paralyzed by polio at age 6, has passed away at 78. Despite his condition, he earned a law degree, wrote a book, and gained a following on TikTok, sharing his experiences living with the help of the machine. He was one of the last few people in the U.S. to live inside an iron lung and had recently battled with health issues, including a brief hospitalization for COVID-19.

via The New York Times|

#iron-lung #lawyer #obituary

obituary2 years ago•3 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, Who Spent 70 Years in Iron Lung, Passes Away at 78"

Paul Alexander, a Texas man who spent most of his life in an iron lung after contracting polio as a child, has passed away at the age of 78. Despite his physical challenges, he earned a law degree, built a large social media following, and inspired many with his positivity and determination. Alexander's story serves as a reminder of the impact of polio and the resilience of individuals living with disabilities.

via KABC-TV|

#disability #inspiration #iron-lung

obituary2 years ago•2 min saved

"Man Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, who spent the majority of the past 70 years in an iron lung due to polio, passed away at 78. Despite his condition, he became a lawyer, author, and advocate for polio vaccination. He defied expectations by learning to breathe independently for short periods, graduating college, and practicing law for 30 years. Paul's determination and accomplishments inspired many, and he had a significant following on TikTok. His advocacy for polio vaccination continued until his passing.

via CNN|

#disability #iron-lung #obituary

human-interest2 years ago•4 min saved

"Paul Alexander, Longtime Iron Lung User, Passes Away at 78"

Paul Alexander, who contracted polio as a child and spent decades in an iron lung, passed away at 78. Despite his condition, he earned a law degree, wrote a book, and gained a large social media following. Known for his positive outlook, he inspired people worldwide and advocated for the inclusion of disabled individuals in society.

via The Associated Press|

#disability-advocate #human-interest #inspirational-figure

obituary2 years ago•4 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years, Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, a polio survivor who lived in an iron lung for over 70 years, has passed away at the age of 78. Paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio at the age of 6, Alexander became a lawyer, author, and an inspiration to many. His death was announced by a disability-rights advocate who had interviewed him. Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, mainly affects children under 5 and can lead to paralysis. With the introduction of the polio vaccine in the 1950s, efforts to eradicate the disease have been successful, leading to a drastic reduction in cases. Iron lungs, once used to aid polio patients' breathing, have largely been replaced by modern ventilators.

via Livescience.com|

#disability-rights #iron-lung #obituary

obituary2 years ago•2 min saved

"Paul Alexander, Iron Lung Survivor, Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, who spent over 70 years in an iron lung after contracting polio as a child, has passed away at the age of 78. Despite his physical limitations, he obtained a bachelor's and law degree, worked as a lawyer for 30 years, and even wrote a memoir using a pencil in his mouth. He maintained an optimistic outlook and inspired millions with his positive attitude.

via E! NEWS|

#inspirational #iron-lung #memoir

obituary2 years ago•2 min saved

"Paul Alexander, Longtime Iron Lung Resident, Passes Away at 78"

Paul Alexander, who lived most of his life in an iron lung after contracting polio at a young age, has passed away at 78. Despite his paralysis, he graduated from law school, wrote a memoir, and became an activist for disability rights. Alexander's unique breathing technique allowed him to lead a relatively active life, representing clients in court and attending protests. He chose not to undergo invasive surgery and continued living in the iron lung, becoming one of the last people to do so. His inspirational story garnered widespread attention, and he was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the "longest iron lung patient."

via The Guardian US|

#disability-rights #iron-lung #obituary

obituary2 years ago•4 min saved

"Man Who Lived in Iron Lung for 72 Years Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, who held the Guinness World Record for living the longest with the help of an iron lung, has passed away at the age of 78. Stricken by polio at the age of 6, he used the iron lung for over 70 years, yet still managed to lead a full life, inspiring others with his determination. His friend organized a successful fundraiser to support him in his final years, and he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and positivity.

via NPR|

#guinness-world-record #inspiration #iron-lung

obituary2 years ago•1 min saved

"Texas Man Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, a Texas man who spent 70 years in an iron lung after surviving polio as a child, has passed away at the age of 78. Despite his paralysis, he graduated from law school, practiced law, and traveled the world. He contracted COVID-19 in February, which left him weak and dehydrated. His brother described him as an admired and inspiring individual who touched the lives of millions.

via Reuters|

#covid-19 #iron-lung #obituary

human-interest2 years ago•3 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years, Passes Away at 78"

Paul Alexander, who lived in an iron lung for 70 years after contracting polio as a child, has passed away. Paralyzed from the neck down at age six, he spent most of his life in the iron lung, but managed to communicate and even obtain a law degree. Tributes poured in following his death, and his brother expressed gratitude for the support. Polio, now rare due to vaccination programs, was a feared disease in the past, with major outbreaks causing thousands of deaths.

via Yahoo News Australia|

#human-interest #iron-lung #medical-history

human-interest2 years ago•3 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years, Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, who lived inside an iron lung for 70 years after contracting polio as a child, has passed away. Paralyzed from the neck down at age six, he spent most of his life in the iron lung, which helped him breathe after the polio infection destroyed his internal functions. Despite his condition, he obtained a law degree, practiced law, and published a memoir. Tributes poured in following his death, and his brother expressed gratitude for the support. Polio, now rare due to vaccination programs, was identified in sewage samples in London in 2022, but no associated cases were reported.

via The Independent|

#human-interest #iron-lung #medical-history

obituary2 years ago•1 min saved

"Polio Survivor Paul Alexander, Who Lived in Iron Lung for 70 Years, Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, who lived in an iron lung for over 70 years after contracting polio, passed away at 78 following a battle with Covid-19. Despite his condition, he graduated from college, ran his own legal practice, and authored a book. His inspiring story garnered widespread attention, and he was declared the longest surviving iron lung patient by Guinness World Records. Alexander's recent TikTok account, where he shared about his life and answered questions, had over 300,000 followers at the time of his passing.

via NBC News|

#covid-19 #iron-lung #obituary

obituary2 years ago•3 min saved

"Longtime Iron Lung User Paul Alexander Dies at 78"

Paul Alexander, known as "the man in the iron lung," has passed away at the age of 78. A polio survivor, he spent over 70 years in the iron lung after being paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 6. Despite his condition, he pursued education, became a lawyer, and published a memoir. A fundraiser for his healthcare needs helped him live his final years stress-free.

via Fox News|

#disability-rights #iron-lung #obituary