Paul Alexander – A Life of Courage Inside the Iron Lung 

Paul Alexander’s story is one of unwavering strength, resilience, and triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. Born in Dallas in 1945, he became one of the most extraordinary survivors of polio — a disease that forever changed his life but could never break his spirit.

The Polio Outbreak and the Iron Lung

At just six years old, Paul was struck by one of the worst polio outbreaks in U.S. history. The disease left him paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on an iron lung, a massive, mechanical device that helped him breathe when his lungs could no longer function on their own. Doctors gave him little hope, predicting that he wouldn’t survive. Yet, Paul did not surrender.

Mastering “Frog Breathing”

Against all odds, Paul defied the expectations set by medical experts. He became one of the few people to master a rare technique called “frog breathing”. This technique allowed him to use his throat muscles to gulp air, enabling him to spend precious moments outside the iron lung. These brief windows of freedom were not just life-saving; they were moments when Paul’s mind and spirit could soar.

During these fleeting moments, Paul didn’t waste time. He studied, dreamt, and set goals for a future beyond the confines of his body and the iron lung. His intellectual curiosity was as unstoppable as his will to live.

Breaking Barriers and Defying Limits

Paul’s story of perseverance went beyond survival. He became the first student in Dallas to graduate high school without attending in person. His academic success was just the beginning. Paul continued to push past the barriers that polio had imposed on him, going on to earn law degrees and build a successful career as a practicing attorney. From his home, Paul fought for the rights of others, advocating fiercely for those who needed a voice.

A Legacy of Hope and Perseverance

In 2020, Paul shared his incredible journey with the world through his memoir, Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung. In it, he reflected on the dual nature of the iron lung — a machine that served as both his “cage” and his “cocoon”. It was a place where he was confined, but also a space in which he transformed, grew, and defied expectations.

Paul passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 78, leaving behind a profound legacy of perseverance, dignity, and hope. His story is a bridge between the dark past of polio and a brighter, vaccinated future, showing the world that the human spirit is capable of overcoming even the most difficult challenges.

Though Paul’s life was defined by struggle, it was also defined by his ability to rise above it. His journey proves that no matter the limitations our bodies may face, our spirits are limitless. Paul Alexander’s life will forever serve as an inspiration, reminding us all that strength is not measured by the body, but by the heart and mind that guide it.

🕊️ Rest in peace, Paul. Your courage will never be forgotten.