At the age of six, Paul Alexander’s life took an unexpected turn. It was 1952, and he was diagnosed with polio, a contagious infection that can cause paralysis. Despite the odds, Paul survived and became one of the last people in the world to still rely on an iron lung, a respirator that helps him breathe. Now 76, Paul reflects on his remarkable journey, filled with determination and resilience.
Embracing Life’s Challenges
Paul’s life has been far from ordinary. Living with an iron lung since childhood, he has defied limitations and embraced the incredible. Despite his circumstances, he refuses to let others define what he can and cannot do. As he puts it, “My life is incredible, and I won’t accept anyone’s limitations.”
The Fight Against Polio
Polio was a devastating disease before vaccines became available. In 1952, when Paul contracted the virus, thousands of children suffered its effects. However, Paul’s story took a different turn when a doctor gave him a second chance at life through an emergency tracheotomy and placing him in an iron lung. Awakening to a room filled with other children in the same situation was both bewildering and terrifying for young Paul.
Triumph Over Adversity
Unable to speak due to his tracheotomy, Paul’s road to recovery was challenging. However, he never gave up. For 18 months, he remained inside the iron lung, gradually recovering from the initial infection. He witnessed the hardships of other children and heard doctors proclaim his impending demise. Their doubts only fueled his determination to prove them wrong.
A Life of Progress
In 1954, Paul was discharged from the hospital, but his life would never be the same again. Facing societal discomfort and isolation, he relied on the support of a dedicated therapist named Mrs. Sullivan, who helped him regain confidence. Her promise of a puppy if he could breathe without the iron lung for three minutes motivated him to overcome immense challenges.
Through perseverance and the development of a technique called “frog-breathing,” Paul slowly increased the time he spent outside the iron lung. He accomplished remarkable feats, graduating high school with honors without physically attending class and eventually becoming a lawyer.
Writing His Own Story
Even after a successful 30-year career in the courtroom, Paul continued to push boundaries. He wrote a book by typing every word using a pen attached to a stick. This extraordinary accomplishment demonstrated his indomitable spirit and passion for life.
Today, at 76 years old, Paul remains confined to his iron lung, which is now considered an obsolete machine. Despite advancements in technology, he prefers the familiarity and reliability of the metal chamber. Spare parts for his iron lung are sourced from abandoned machines found in barns, garages, and even junk shops.
Inspiring Others
Paul’s determination has guided him through countless obstacles, and he has outlived both his parents and his older brother. He continues to inspire others by sharing his story and encouraging them to never give up. He believes that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves. The remarkable legacy he leaves behind serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.
Polio has been effectively eradicated in the United States since 1979, thanks to vaccines. However, vaccine-derived cases still present a concern. By sharing Paul’s story with friends and family, we can create awareness and inspire others to overcome their own challenges.
Share Paul’s incredible journey to remind everyone that the only limits we face are the ones we allow ourselves to believe in.
