How a Man Overcame 70 Years in an Iron Lung to Become a Lawyer Despite His Breathing Challenges

At the young age of six, Paul Alexander was given a dire prognosis—rendered paralyzed from the neck down due to polio, confined within a large iron lung, and told he would never lead a typical life. However, Paul had different aspirations. Now at 77, he remains one of the few individuals globally still using this vintage apparatus, yet it has not hindered his remarkable journey as a lawyer, author, and an emblem of resilience.

A Childhood Interrupted by Polio

In 1952, the United States witnessed one of its most devastating polio outbreaks, leaving countless children with disabilities. Among them was Paul, a lively six-year-old from Dallas, Texas, whose life was turned upside down when the virus attacked his nervous system, rendering him unable to move or breathe independently.

Emergency medical staff placed him in an iron lung, a daunting machine designed to create air pressure, aiding his lungs in function. At that time, the situation felt hopeless—there was no known cure or escape. He was destined to live inside this machine, entirely reliant on its rhythmic sounds to survive.

Relearning the Art of Breathing

Yet, Paul refused to give up. While other children reveled outdoors, he remained inside the machine, persevering to strengthen his body.

Paul learned a technique known as frog breathing, which involved drawing air using his throat muscles. Although excruciating, he practiced diligently, determined to gain any semblance of independence. After years of dedication, Paul was able to spend brief moments outside the iron lung—an accomplishment that physicians once deemed unattainable.

Even with this triumph, the iron lung continued to be his essential support. Each night, he returned to its cold embrace, allowing it to regulate his breathing as he slept.

Paul Alexander, “the Man In The Iron Lung” — *Paul Alexander, “The Man in the Iron Lung”*

From Iron Lung to Legal Advocate

Despite facing overwhelming challenges, Paul was determined not to let his disability define him. Instead of resigning to a life of restrictions, he pursued an unexpected goal: becoming a lawyer.

With the assistance of committed educators, Paul thrived academically, mastering the skill of writing with a pencil held in his mouth and dictating his essays to helpers. His steadfast determination led him through college and law school, where he remarkably became one of the first individuals in history to earn a degree while living in an iron lung.

He went on to successfully pass the bar exam, officially becoming a licensed attorney. Against all odds, the boy doctors originally thought would not survive beyond childhood transformed into a distinguished lawyer, advocating for justice while challenging all preconceived medical predictions.

A Legacy of Inspiration

In 2020, Paul took to writing and self-published his memoir, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” sharing his tale of resilience and unwavering spirit. In his later years, he garnered a substantial following on TikTok, where he offered glimpses into his life and the realities of existing in an iron lung.

Upon his passing in March 2024, Paul was recognized as one of the last individuals worldwide still relying on an iron lung. His narrative is not one of limitations but of extraordinary strength, intellect, and perseverance.

Paul Alexander exemplified the indomitable nature of the human spirit. From a boy ensnared in a mechanical device to a lawyer championing for others, his legacy will continue to motivate and empower future generations.