Texas man who used an iron lung for decades after contracting polio as a child dies at 78

 Texan who spent most of his 78 years confined to an iron lung due to polio, but built a significant following on social media, chronicling his journey from contracting the disease in the 1940s to achieving a law degree, has passed away.

Paul Alexander passed away on Monday at a Dallas hospital, confirmed Daniel Spinks, a close friend. While Alexander had been recently hospitalized after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the exact cause of death remains unknown.

At the tender age of 6, Alexander began using an iron lung, a cylindrical apparatus that enveloped his body, regulating airflow to his lungs. In recent years, his TikTok account garnered millions of views.

"He had a zest for life and a contagious laughter," remarked Spinks. "Paul illuminated the world with his positivity."

In one of his TikTok videos titled "Conversations With Paul," Alexander, with his head resting on a pillow and the faint whirring of the iron lung in the background, shared his philosophy, stating, "Being positive is a way of life for me."

Spinks attested that Alexander's unwavering positivity left a lasting impact on those around him. "Being in Paul's presence was enlightening in so many ways," he said.

Despite his physical limitations, Alexander pursued education fervently, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas in 1978, followed by a law degree from the same institution in 1984. Spinks recalled their friendship blossoming when he took on the role of Alexander's driver and aide in 2000.

"I would accompany him to the courthouse, pushing his wheelchair during court proceedings," Spinks reminisced. At that time, Alexander could spend up to four to six hours outside of the iron lung, relying on it while at home or in the office.

As Alexander aged, breathing outside the iron lung became increasingly challenging, eventually leading him to retire back to its confines, Spinks explained.

Despite his physical limitations, Alexander was remarkably adept with technology, using a stick in his mouth to type on a computer and answer phone calls, Spinks revealed.

Though Spinks only worked for Alexander for a year, their bond endured, with Spinks being among those who assisted in maintaining and repairing Alexander's iron lungs.

"He relished being interviewed and had a fervent desire to showcase the capabilities of disabled individuals in society," Spinks remarked.

Chris Ulmer, founder of Special Books By Special Kids, an online platform amplifying the stories of disabled individuals, interviewed Alexander in 2022. Reflecting on their interaction, Ulmer noted, "Paul was deeply passionate about inspiring others and proving that they are capable of extraordinary achievements."

The scourge of polio, once a dread disease causing widespread paralysis, has been largely eradicated through vaccination efforts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a nationwide vaccination campaign beginning in 1955 drastically reduced polio cases, leading to its elimination in the U.S. by 1979.