Paul Alexander, 76, has lived a life unlike many others. For the majority of his life, he’s lived with an iron lung, and he’s one of the last people in the world still using the respirator which dates back to the 1928. Despite his unusual circumstances, he’s lived an incredibly full life and he’s never accepted anything less.
The Unexpected Turn
When Paul was just six years old he ran into his family’s home in a suburb of Dallas, Texas, and told his mother he wasn’t feeling well. Since his birth in 1946, Paul had been a normal, vibrant, and active child – but now something was clearly wrong. The devastating diagnosis of polio left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Fighting for Life
Polio, an incredibly contagious infection, paralyzed over 15,000 people before vaccines were available. Paul was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead, but then another doctor took a look at him and gave him another chance at life. After an emergency tracheotomy, Paul was placed inside an iron lung. He spent 18 months in the metal canister recovering from the initial infection.
The Power to Overcome
While some may have given up, Paul refused to let others define his limits. Despite the challenges, he proved the doctors wrong by not only surviving but thriving. Learning to “frog-breathe” enabled him to spend more time outside of the iron lung, and he even graduated from high school and college, becoming a successful lawyer.
Embracing the Old and the New
Even with the advancements in modern technology, Paul prefers his metal chamber. The iron lung may be obsolete, but he cherishes its familiarity and reliability. Spare parts are difficult to come by, but Paul has scrounged around for them in barns and junk shops. The support of enthusiasts and his ingenuity have kept his machine functional.
Never Giving Up
Paul has faced numerous challenges throughout his life, but he has never given up. His determination to accomplish what he was told he couldn’t has led him to live a fulfilling life and achieve the dreams he dreamed. His inspiring life story serves as a reminder that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
