Displaying items by tag: Paul Alexander

On 11 March Paul Alexander, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest time living in an iron lung, passed away aged 78. He had lived in the mechanical ventilator since polio paralysed him at the age of six, just before the introduction of the polio vaccine. Despite doctors' grim predictions and witnessing the deaths of many other polio patients, he never let his disability define him. He mastered mouth painting and writing, and even learned how to breathe to spend time outside the iron lung. His 2020 autobiography recounts his life story, including his academic achievements and his career as an attorney specialising in family law and bankruptcy. Alexander's deep Christian roots were evident in his family's devout Pentecostal faith. In a 2022 interview, he compared the profound love his parents showed him to God's love, and emphasised the importance of purpose in life. A friend raised over $143,000 to support Alexander's medical and funeral expenses, testimony to the widespread inspiration he provided.