Paul Alexander’s life was nothing short of extraordinary. Paralyzed by polio at the age of six, he spent the majority of his life confined to an iron lung—a massive, metal respirator developed in the 1920s to assist patients whose muscles could no longer support breathing. By the later decades of his life, Paul was among the very few people in the world still relying on this nearly obsolete device.
In 1952, amid one of the deadliest polio outbreaks in U.S. history, Paul became gravely ill. His condition deteriorated quickly: he could no longer swallow, grasp objects, or breathe independently. After an emergency tracheotomy, he was placed inside an iron lung, where he would remain for 18 months while slowly recovering. That year, nearly 58,000 Americans contracted polio, and over 3,000 succumbed to the disease, highlighting the perilous environment in which Paul fought for survival.
At one point, a physician mistakenly declared Paul dead, only for another doctor to intervene with the life-saving procedure. Awakening inside the iron lung, he was overwhelmed with fear and confusion—unable to move or speak, uncertain whether he was living or already gone. Yet despite these daunting circumstances, Paul’s determination never wavered.
With the guidance of a devoted therapist, Mrs. Sullivan, Paul learned a specialized breathing technique known as “frog breathing,” which enabled him to spend brief periods outside the iron lung. This small but significant achievement offered a measure of independence and hope. Over time, he gradually increased the duration he could breathe on his own, reclaiming control over aspects of his life that once seemed impossible.
Paul Alexander’s extraordinary determination drove him to historic achievements. He became the first person in Dallas to graduate from high school with honors without ever physically attending classes. Undeterred by repeated rejections, he fought to gain admission to Southern Methodist University, ultimately enrolling under the condition that he receive the polio vaccine and that a fraternity take responsibility for his care. Paul’s ambition did not stop there; he went on to attend law school at the University of Texas at Austin, passed the bar, and went on to practice law in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for more than three decades, leaving a lasting legacy of perseverance and accomplishment.
Even as modern ventilators became widely available, Paul Alexander chose to remain with the iron lung that had sustained his life for decades. He transported the massive machine with him to college and other destinations, both surprising and inspiring those who witnessed his determination. Years ago, when the iron lung neared failure, Paul tirelessly searched barns, garages, and salvage shops for old machines and spare parts, demonstrating remarkable ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to preserving the device that had become inseparable from his survival.
Paul Alexander’s life stood as a remarkable testament to resilience and courage. Defying his physical limitations, he typed his own book using a pen affixed to a stick, demonstrating that determination and intellect could triumph over any obstacle. Despite encountering discrimination and enduring discomfort from others early in life, Paul persevered, ultimately living a full and inspiring life that continues to serve as a powerful example of human tenacity and achievement.
Paul Alexander passed away in March 2024, leaving behind a legacy defined not by his illness but by his warmth, humor, and indomitable spirit. His brother Philip remembers him as a true companion, sharing the full spectrum of brotherhood—love, disagreements, and laughter.
Paul’s story continues to resonate globally, serving as a powerful reminder that the greatest limitations are often those we impose on ourselves. His life illustrates that with determination, resilience, and the support of others, even the most formidable challenges can be met and overcome. Paul Alexander’s legacy endures as a testament to hope, strength, and the unwavering power of perseverance.
