Paul Alexander was known as the man who lived in an iron lung for more than seven decades. NBC News reports that Alexander passed away on March 11, after contracting COVID-19 in February.
“Paul Alexander, the man who lived inside an iron lung for more than 70 years after contracting polio, died on Monday after being hospitalized with Covid last month, his friends and family said. He was 78 years old,” NBC News wrote.
‘Polio Paul’ honored via GoFundMe
Alexander lived in an iron lung after contracting polio more than 70 years ago. Still, despite being in the iron lung for decades, he surprisingly resonated with people of all ages. He even created a TikTok account where he went by the nickname “Polio Paul.”
Christopher Ulmer, Alexander’s GoFundMe organizer, called him an “incredible role model,” noting the lives he touched over the years.
“His story traveled far, positively influencing people around the world. “Paul was an incredible role model who will continue to be remembered,” she said.
Alexander’s brother Phillip showed gratitude to everyone who donated to his GoFundMe over the years and said it would be a great help to Paul’s funeral services.
“I am so grateful to everyone who donated to my brother’s fundraiser,” Alexander said on GoFundMe.
“It allowed him to live his last years without stress. And he will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It’s absolutely amazing to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul. I am very grateful”.
Alexander honored by Book of World Records
70 years is a long time to do anything. If you think about it, many people don’t get to be that old. So spending that amount of time in an iron lung is nothing short of extraordinary. And Alexander was rewarded for it. Last year he officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
“Last March, Alexander was declared the longest-surviving iron lung patient by the Guinness Book of Records. “He contracted polio during an epidemic of this debilitating disease in the 1950s when he was a child living in Texas,” NBC News added.
“Despite his condition, Alexander graduated from college with a law degree and ran his own law practice. He also became a published author with the book. Three minutes for a dogdetailing his life.”
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn