Paul Alexander, known as 'the man in the iron lung,' having spent most of his life living inside a metal chamber that helped him breathe, has died aged 78, a fundraiser for his health care confirmed Tuesday. Alexander, of Dallas, Texas, contracted polio in the summer of 1952 when he was 6 years old, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. He was forced to live inside the chamber for the rest of his extraordinary life, yet was known for his positive and graceful attitude.
In this time Paul went to college, became a lawyer, and a published author,' wrote Christopher Ulmer, who created a GoFundMe page for Alexander to help finance his health care needs. 'His story traveled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered.' At 21, Alexander became the first person to graduate from a high school in Dallas without ever attending class in person, reports the Daily Mail.
Alexander’s brother, Philip, said the fundraiser, which raised more than $143,000, helped him live out his final years. 'I am so to everybody who donated to my brother’s fundraiser. It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free,' Paul was quoted as saying on the GoFundMe page. 'It will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul. I am just so grateful.