The Texan Paul Alexander, who lived most of his life confined to an iron lung, has died.

His obituary states that he passed away on March 11 at the age of 78.

Paul Alexander, a Dallas native who was also known as “polio Paul” or “the man in the iron lung,” was more than just his illness. He was a real role model and a source of inspiration for his younger brother Philip.

“He aspired to change the world,” according to Philip Alexander. “He was determined to leave a lasting impact.”

Paul Alexander was diagnosed with polio at the age of six during an outbreak that occurred in Dallas. He was dependent on the iron lung for breathing due to the sickness that immobilized him from the neck down.

Despite his physical restrictions, Paul Alexander kept a positive attitude on life, inspiring people around him with his courage and determination.

“He never allowed his disability to define him,” said Philip Alexander. “He adapted to every challenge life threw his way.”

Paul Alexander was very flexible in his scholarly endeavors. He received his degrees from the University of Texas School of Law and Southern Methodist University School of Economics. In Dallas, he even passed the bar test and began practicing law.

Paul Alexander created history in March 2024 when Guinness World Records named him the world’s longest-living patient with iron lung disease.

Philip Alexander said, “He wouldn’t have made it this far without the unwavering support of our parents and close friends.”

Paul Alexander gained a global following by using social media as a platform to share inspirational and resilient ideas.

Even in his lowest points, Paul Alexander maintained optimism despite the enormous obstacles he had to overcome.

He said on TikTok, “I miss feeling the warmth of the sun.” “But I cling on to hope because I know things will get better.”

Paul Alexander was abused by former caregivers, so someone started a GoFundMe page to help him. The money was used to keep his iron lung in working order and to pay for his housing and medical needs.

Paul Alexander, whose health was already precarious, recognized that COVID-19 may be deadly when he caught it in his final weeks. He held firm to his determination and accepted and gratefully embraced every moment, no matter how unlikely the circumstances seemed.

Philip Alexander recounted, “He looked at me the night before he passed away and said, ‘This is perfect.'”

Paul Alexander’s legacy endures even after his passing; it is proof of the strength of compassion and resiliency in the face of difficulty. Philip Alexander thinks back with tears on his face, using his brother’s life as a lesson that goodwill and determination may triumph over any challenges.