He had unwavering faith.
Paul Alexander, who set a Guinness World Record for enduring the longest time in an iron lung, shared reflections on the love and support of his family before his passing at the age of 78.
His life took a drastic turn at the age of 6 when polio paralyzed his chest muscles in 1952, just before the polio vaccine became available. Despite facing immense challenges, Alexander’s family remained a constant source of love and encouragement. Even during his 18-month hospitalization, where he was unable to communicate due to medical interventions, his parents visited him daily and eventually brought him home for Christmas in 1953.
Refusing to be defined by his disability, Alexander learned to write and paint with his mouth and developed techniques like “glossopharyngeal breathing” to spend time outside the iron lung. His determination led to achievements such as graduating second in his high school class and pursuing higher education against all odds, eventually earning both a bachelor’s and law degree.
In his professional life as an attorney specializing in family law and bankruptcy, Alexander faced further challenges, including a broken engagement due to familial pressures. Throughout his journey, his family’s religious background and the love he experienced from them resonated deeply with him, reflecting what he described as a tangible manifestation of God’s love.
Alexander emphasized the importance of finding purpose despite limitations, urging others to seek meaning in their lives and strive to make a positive impact. His friend Christopher Ulster, whom he met in 2022, organized a successful fundraising campaign to support Alexander’s medical expenses, demonstrating the widespread inspiration he had become.
Following his passing, the funds raised will now be utilized to cover his funeral expenses, providing a fitting tribute to a man who faced adversity with resilience and touched the lives of many with his story. Philip Alexander, Paul’s brother, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, acknowledging the impact Paul had on those who knew him.