Published13. March 2024, 09:12
Mourning for US Attorney: Paul took his last breath in the iron lung
Paul Alexander has died at the age of 78. The lawyer from the USA lived in an iron lung for 70 years.
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Paul Alexander, the man who lived in an iron lung for 70 years, died at the age of 78.
Paul Alexander has died at the age of 78. He became famous for living in an iron lung for 70 years. The Texan died on March 11th of a Covid infection.
On a hot summer day in July 1952, the then six-year-old from Dallas’ life changed dramatically: his neck hurt and he had a severe headache. After the first day in bed with a fever, Alexander was examined by his family doctor. He recommended that his parents not take him to the hospital. It is clear that he has polio, but there are simply too many patients there at the moment.
Doctors gave up hope
Five days after the first symptoms of illness, the boy’s condition continued to deteriorate. He could no longer hold colored pencils and he also found it increasingly difficult to speak, swallow or cough.
The doctors at the hospital explained that all options had been exhausted and that his life was coming to an end. But a dedicated doctor contradicted this assessment and carried out an operation. After three days the boy woke up in an iron lung. During his time in the hospital, he repeatedly heard from the nurses that his survival was unlikely and that his time was numbered.
He became a lawyer
But fortunately they were wrong. At the age of 21, he was the first trainee from home to successfully graduate from Dallas High School. He initially continued his education at the Methodist University of Dallas, but due to repeated rejections due to his disability, he later transferred to the University of Texas Law School at Austin, where he graduated in 1984.
Despite his physical limitations, he worked as a lawyer in Dallas and Fort Worth, making him one of the first high-ranking people in the United States to appear in public despite his disability. He carried out his job and other public activities using his mouth and used a tube to use pens and computers.
“I breathe great in the iron lung”
Alexander was in an iron lung until the end of his life. Only one other person in the US still has one. Alexander thrilled and inspired countless people.
When asked why he still prefers the iron lung even though alternative options have been available for decades, he replied: “I breathe great in the iron lung. It is the most natural breath that no other device could make.” He saw alternative products as more restrictive.
Are you grieving or is someone you know grieving?
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