The Inspiring Life and Legacy of Polio Paul, Who Defied All Odds

Polio Paul, whose real name was Paul Alexander, was a source of inspiration to many. Despite contracting polio at only 6 years old that left him paralyzed and dependent on an iron lung for breathing, Polio Paul went on to achieve great things in his 78 years.

Spending over 70 years inside the confines of an iron lung could have easily led to a life of limitations for Paul. However, he was determined to defy expectations and learned breathing techniques that allowed him to spend a few hours outside the machine. He graduated college and went on to earn a law degree, practicing as an attorney for 30 years.

The Story and Legacy of Polio Paul

In addition to becoming a lawyer, Paul was also an author. He self-published his autobiography “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung” where he shared his incredible story of perseverance. Even in his later years, he was working on a second book and advocated on social media for vaccination through his “Polio Paul” TikTok account with over 300k followers.

Sadly, Polio Paul passed away in March 2024 at the age of 78 after contracting COVID-19. However, his remarkable spirit and example of triumph over immense adversity continues to inspire many. Through sheer determination and willpower, Paul proved that true ability has no limits and that our lives can still have profound meaning despite any challenges. His legacy of achieving dreams will live on.