Woah,this is the best video you've ever done,so inspiring and I love how the whole world teamed up to stop polio,thanks for this masterpiece and thanks to everyone who helped stop this disease
I am one of the 300,000 survivors at age 79. Polio 9/5/1953 - paralytic unable to walk. Never into an iron lung. Use a wheelchair 24/7. Confined to home living on S/S. I feel for Paul and am sympathetic with his situation. Good luck to him, my prayers go out to him. Thanks for this video. John Cruckshank, Carver MA.
@@BE74297 You should be made aware that basicly everything in that article is false or very misleading. I'll pick one of the 20 things just to show you that it is: "6. Polio outbreaks hit throughout the summer, only during pesticide spraying times." This is not the case seeing as there were outbreaks in countries that were not actively using said pesticides either at all or to near the same degree, yet Polio hit those countries just as hard. I should add that Jason Christoff has no relevant expertise in Medicine, Chemistry or anything remotely relevant to the issue, but he does have a business that makes money from peddling misinformation. The author is claiming that Polio cases were in fact due to pesticides and heavy metal poisoning, he is also trying to make the case that vaccines are some nefarious poison. He completely misses the fact that Polio is a virus that has been observed through electron microscope photography. It is an Enterovirus to be specific. The damage and symtoms from Polio are very distinct from poisoning (people who subcumb to Polio also don't have any more of those toxins and heavy metals in them than any healthy person). In addition Polio is still around but not in countries where you'll find higher levels of heavy metals or arsenic but in the countries where vaccination has been hard due to anti-western and religious propaganda and trouble with delivery in general. Other than in Afghanistan and Pakistan Polio has been erradicated globaly. I hope you learned something. And please do apply a modicum of skepticism to what you come across. There are people claiming all sorts of things but generally the ones that are worth a damn have some serious science to back up their claims. In Christoff's case he neither has any data backing his assertions up, there is a mountain of scientific evidence that show that his claims are complete lunacy.
When I was a toddler, my mom noticed that my right leg was slightly smaller than my left, and rushed me immediately to the hospital. Indeed I got the polio, but because my mom noticed it very early, now my right leg is just very slightly smaller than the left, and I don't feel any discomfort or any abnormality. Only my right shoes are always looser than the left. Lucky me.
I want to say seventy years""" with your body in a tank """""not being able to be moving """"*"not mobile by any means of your own free wil""l how dare I catch myself complaining about life!! what do I got to complain about???. My own"" ignorance!! and may I learn from this understanding..Yeshua bless that man ,for he has had a ruff Life. To know you is the prize and the peace brakes from ignorance therefore we are not lacking in knowledge cuz we have your wisdom may always be with me Lord as well as those who love you.
Paul lived his life out of spite, and I respect that. "You'll never graduate high school" Paul: **graduates top of the class without even being there** "you won't get into college" Paul: **fights it for two years until he gets in** "you will never pass law school, it's way too difficult" Paul: **does it anyway**
My high school history teacher was a polio survivor. He was bound to leg braces and crutches but he seemed to get around okay. He was an insanely interesting man, an actual history lesson in himself.
I had a swimming teacher guy with polio in high school. Everyone used to make fun of him the way he would walk. Turns out the guy did amazing things that normal people have a hard time doing it!
Poor Paul, at my current age I can tell you without a doubt that I could not survive that iron lung due to claustrophobia alone. You have to factor in that Paul was placed in that machine at a very young age and children adapt much better than adults, it’s all he knew. I was born without hearing, completely deaf but many surgeries later I joined the hearing world at age 13.. and I hated it! The sound of birds and traffic (etc..) terrified me! Being deaf was all I knew and I didn’t feel that I needed to be fixed but eventually I adapted. Paul’s story is very inspiring, what an amazing man. He was so accomplished compared to many of us who didn’t have the struggles he did. I paused this video and purchased his book, I’d like to know more about him. Thank you for featuring his story. 👍🏼😊🌻
My step mother went to Deaf School all her life. She didn't try to talk and could read lips. My Dad made her start talking and you'd never know she ever went to Deaf School. She could talk very well. But, said she didn't like the hearing aid. All the noise made her nervous.
This is such a cool post, thank you! I never would have thought of it being scary or someone who was deaf being "cured" and then hating all the noise! Thanks for this look into a world I know nothing about!
"I could not survive that" How naive... You literally have no choice but to survive in this situation, there is no way you can die even if you really want. And this is the worst part about any kind of situations like this.
People never stop and think of others and what and how things can effect them - I always wondered how a person born deaf or blind would perceive the world, if they could try what they lost from birth - And your post gave me an answer, thank you! It will make me a little more thoughtful of others.
I can definitely relate to you being so scared getting the hearing back. I'm part blind and when I went to a specialist and got some of my eyesight back..I was overwhelmed!! I had panic atta ks and my mind was too overactive from just too much information. I couldn't handle it and felt too unsafe and I opted to go back to my bad eyesight. I see ones on charity adds where the doctors take off the kids eyepatch and the kid looks around with a huge smile on their face and with wonder and I wonder how they do it and not get totally overstimulated
Hello there while working my way through nursing school i was a private care taker for Paul for a short time. I would come over, cook food for him, bath him, etc... the biggest thing that amazed me about Paul was at that time he was a Practicing Attorney in Dallas Texas. He trained himself how to frog breathe, he would swallow air and force into his lungs. He could stay outside his iron lung for a few hours. An incredible feat which made me realize the will to live and the pursuit happiness knows no bonds. Time passed our lives parted as my career and family took another direction. I have thought of him often this was a great video to catch in my UA-cam feed. Love you Paul
@@Maggy776 all the technology we have now use positive pressure. in order for paul to breathe and actually stay alive, he needs negative pressure as well.
My father contracted polio, everyone told him that he’ll never amount to anything. He went to school and then college, graduating and majoring in engineering drafting. Working for the US government. He gave all of us, his children, 7 of us a very active and playful, adventurous, positive life. He’s in his 70’s . And still sharp as a knife. I love my father ❤️
He sounds exactly like my friend's father. I believe he's a professor. But same thing, can only use one shoe out of the pair he has to buy at the store.
@@meimei1919 Suffering? I wouldn't call his achievements, suffering. Not to be rude, but why do so many people think, just because a person has a disability, they are suffering? I am able to ask this question, because I have Spina Bifida. However, I am very happy! I live a normal life, just as everyone else. I graduated from college. Have a husband and children. My motto is: I can do everything, you can do. I just do it, sitting down!
My grandfather had polio from childhood until he passed away in 2015. He was one of the strongest people I've ever had the good fortune to meet and get to know
Paul is truly a living legend! I mean he helped develop the first Polio vaccine,he has 2 degrees and wrote a book! He has literally accomplished more than the average person has with the use of their entire body in my opinion. This is an example of never giving up no matter what obstacle is in your way.
@@mufasagardner7170 I think they're just trying to say that the people back then thought that it may cause autism. I don't think they mean any harm by it.
@@mufasagardner7170 it's just the fact that people kept spreading misinformation ang not really learning some new from it, the lack of knowledge on vaccines makes people think that it's bad
Credit where due: Brady Richards is the "heroic engineer" who saved Paul Alexander's life when his insurer and the device manufacturer threw their hands up in apathy. The call for help was heard the world over, but the person he needed was just 10 miles away!
An iron lung was so expensive, kids didnt have to get the avengers brought to them, they were the Avengers. Well for Paul, id say the man is the best iron man we have to date. I hope hes having a good day.
Paul you have accomplished more in your life than most people ever will. You are an amazing inspiration. It's now July of 2022 and for 70 years you have been in an iron lung. Most people would have given up long ago. But not you. You are a legend sir. Major respect.
@@atgimm2090 Why do you assume they must have been rich? The iron lung was probably donated to him from the hospital to send him home in it, just like many were donated to the hospitals themselves from that car manufacturer benefactor. School tuition was WAAAYYYY cheaper and affordable in his day, and there was always student loans too. Moms were overwhelmingly housewives when he was young, so he had a built in caretaker. And then the government made a program to offer live-in free caretaking for disabled people. So please tell us why you assume that his family must have been rich?
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 You need to realize that for most US-citizen the prospect of round the clock medical attention like that means you're paying millions or not getting it. I can see that some get confused by healthcare that is for all.
My Mom got polio when she was 2 years old. She had several surgeries on her legs and walked with a limp but she walked!! She was a fabulous swimmer!! She was very determined and never let polio stop her from doing what she loved!! She had 4 healthy children. 🥰❤️
You mean 3, right? Cus, if im being honest, your profile pic is the pinacle of what polio can do if teamed with diabetes. Or a physicall description: Rotten Watermelon.
Rest In Peace Paul, Earlier this week Paul Alexander, "The Man in the Iron Lung," passed away on March 11th, 2024. Despite battling polio in his youth, he spent over 70 years confined to an iron lung. Throughout his lifetime, Paul pursued many years in education, became a lawyer, and even was a successful published author. His remarkable journey touched countless lives worldwide, serving as a true inspiration to so many. Paul's legacy as an extraordinary role model is sure to endure in the memories of many. Take Care Paul, you are at peace now. Ljay 🙌🙌🙌
What's really amazing -- and often understated -- about Salk's vaccine story is that he willingly gave up his chance to monetize it because he was more concerned with ensuring it got to as many people as possible than with what it meant for him. The reason all the later improvements were possible was ultimately down to Salk's complete selflessness.
Or people weren't so selfish. Buy a new 3 rd car ? Sure. Pay for a vaxxine ? WHY THE HELL DO I NEED TO , IT SHOULD BE FREE, I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH RESEARCH WENT INTO IT ! F|_|(|< PHARMA ! LET'S THROW A MEASLES PARTY INSTEAD, SURELY THE JADE EGGS IN THE WHOOHA WILL PROTECT US ....
What is not stated is that Sabin's vaccine CAUSED polio in some, even those who initially had the Sulk vaccine. Sabin vaccine was live vaccine, whereas Sulk's was dead.
I remember my mother’s fear about us catching polio... She was terrified! When I was in elementary school, the father of one of my schoolmates, was confined to an “iron lung”... I remember standing in line, at my school, Granada Hills Elementary School, to receive the Salk vaccine! Many years later, our entire family stood in line to be given a sugar cube that had been dosed with Dr. Sabin’s vaccine... I am almost 76...and those memories are as clear as if it had been yesterday!
@@dawnb2125 ...Not at all... Back in the 1950’s, vaccines/shots were administered at our schools... Students were be given printed materials/notifications to take home to their parents...when any vaccines were available... The parents would need to sign a permission slip...which we turned in to our teachers... When the day arrived, our teachers would lead us to the auditorium...where we would line up and await our turn to be vaccinated... AND THESE WERE MULITI-USE SYRINGES!! The RN’s would administer a shot...and immediately refill THAT SAME SYRINGE for the next student!! Times have sure changed!!
Me too. Memories very clear. We were ecstatic the vaccines came out. . I dont underestimate the anti vaccination people. What do they think stopped polio and smallpox.
You are a hero, Paul. God bless you. I was born in 1946, near the year Paul was born. I remember not being allowed to play outside one summer (maybe more?) because of the fear of getting polio. In particular, I couldn’t play in parks, sandboxes, or swim in any public swimming place. I guess I was nine before a vaccine existed. I am grateful I didn’t get it nor anyone I knew. But I always remembered the pictures of rooms filled with children in iron lungs. So very sad.
@@norcikal6316 You'd be correct, 1946-2022 is only 76 years. This person literally could not possibly be 80. It's a good thing they never claimed to be 80.
Thankfully, for me, I was one of the first Polio Pioneers. Recently, I was bedridden for 3 months due to an accident. It nearly drove me crazy. What an amazing person Paul is.
Paul's determination is monumental. I don't think I could have been so positive in his shoes. Fortunately for me, I received the polio vaccine as a child and never had to endure what he has. His incredible story and the vaccine has made me truly thankful.
What I don’t understand is that this video said that the vaccine was produced in oral form in 1961. Yet my brother got the shot version of it in 1969 when he was born (they left permanent scars on people’s upper right shoulder (they are very big circles all filled in with a ton of needle puncture marks - I never I knew that my brother was self-conscious of it, but he said the reason why he got a sun tattoo overlaying it in his 40s to cover it up was because of that reason). We are born and bread Southern Californian suburbanites, so it’s very bizarre that he wasn’t offered the oral version. I was born in 1975, and by then they had stopped giving polio vaccines.
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 it is not filled in with all kinds of needle puncture marks! They only gave you one shot in the arm or leg they did not give you many over and over again! Also, they developed the oral back then but still gave it in shot form.. Even though I had the shot in 1959 in 1961 there had been another epidemic, people stood in line to get the oral vaccine which they placed in sugar cubes. My family had been vaccinated with the shot & still stood in those lines waiting to get the sugar cubed vaccine boosters. They gave out two boosters in about a two months time!
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 you must not have children. Because, yes they do give the polio vaccine! You are a darn bot. Or a troll. There is Nothing on your youtube profile!
This is the first I have heard of this man and I've been on the planet a long time. Why hasn't the story of this man's life and his determination made more well-known?
Friend, I found you by chance again. I met u on the best damn podcast on discord it was our first time there.( It was not working) We were both watching his live show tonight. After, I came here and saw you here, nice. Algorithm must be recommending the same things for us.
Exactly o remembered this but then it was no more spoken of. I literally thought he passed then. So live that long he was used as a lab ratin my opinion. So sad we are know being exposed so much truth to do our own research..
I think there is SO much info, so many stories, so many people it just isn't possible to read about everything. And I'm sure different media has to pick and choose ehat stories they run. I had a cousin with polio who died a couple years ago. We were both born in '49. I have always been VERY interested in everything having to do with polio and I'VE had to search for info. I've always known there were still people in iron lungs and the number of course dwindling over the years. God bless this man.
There used to be a man who lived in Hertfordshire who lived in an iron lung due to having Polio when he was a young child. He was very liked and he was always cheerful. Always made me feel a little ashamed of myself as I am fit and healthy but do like to have a whinge about this and that. Paul and all the others that live in iron lungs are an inspiration to us all.
Paul's story moved me to tears. I am totally in awe of all he has achieved in his life. Not sure I could've hacked the iron lung. I believe everyone has a purpose in life and Paul's has been to teach us humility, courage, stamina, perseverance and, let's face it, he must truly LOVE life. 👏👍👊🙏 Well done, sir.
Bless you, Paul. If anyone is deserving after having such a fighting spirit and accomplishing all that you have without even moving from that machine...it's you. The only thing that I can say is that I hope you have a continual host of machinists willing to regularly keep an eye on your machine and replace parts as needed and I hope that your next life after this is marvelous and full of freedom.
@@Vikingshop I think that our bodies are like batteries. When it dies, everything that powered it is contained, but has run out. I think death is like sleep, except no dreaming and never waking up. Life becomes so much more meaningful to those of us who don't believe in an afterlife.
They AREN’T still a thing. Paul has the ONLY one left in the world. It’s the same one he’s had. It started to break down in 2019. There were no parts to fix it because polio had been eradicated. There hadn’t been any iron lungs for years. An engineer was located and made the parts necessary for Paul’s iron lung to be fixed so he could go on living.
@@natalierozean5989 Wow! You didn't have to rip their head off. You sound like the type of person that when someone says good morning to you, you start bitching that the sky isn't blue enough. Geez.
The poor guy was basically trapped in the machine. He could only do cerebral things and the university not letting him in for 2 years must have been torture for him. So pleased he was able to study in the end.
@@augustineshoriwa9061 what? You're literally watching a video where God DIDN'T fix anything and using it as an example of God fixing something. Unless you mean he fixed it for him to get into uni after fighting (himself) for two years. He didn't fix the actual issue but he fixed it so he could go to uni. Wow. I'm sure Paul just loves what God had planned for his life and I'm sure you'd be perfectly happy to live like that coz it'd just be God's plan, right? He loves you...
@@augustineshoriwa9061 I used to think that too my friend but the older I got the more o realized it's not true. No God would allow what is going on in the world to happen and not stop it. I don't buy the whole free will argument.
YES!! I am one of the “Polio Pioneers” My first grade class got on a bus and went to a community center where we lined up and a nurse gave us a shot. Some of us cried but it wasn’t bad. I remember seeing iron lungs in the hallway of our hospital and thinking about the poor people in that thing. Thanks for this video.
a man that has been stuck in a metal tube for 70 years has mastered life itself. this guy deserves more than just a medal. (and if he dies, that machine better be buried with him. to remind others of his long life success)
Same here and after the shot, I contracted polio. This channel is absolute hogwas brought to us most like from the same entity that introduced polio itself.
@darlingUSA2 Pettee And? It's possible sadly. But it's probably because of the shot that you're here to make some snide comment. You'd think besting something like this would make you nicer and not to up your own ass
I know Paul isn't gonna read this, but you are incredibly brave for enduring such difficult tasks and still managing to be happy and find success. I hope Paul lives the rest of his life to the fullest.
My husband contacted polio as a baby he couldn't take a single step until he was 7 years old and his uncle who had worked on physical development had worked with him since diagnosis. He is 73 years old now and good health for his age apart from constant back ache. Seeing this I realised how lucky he was UK resident
I don't ever remember getting the polio vaccine, but I remember my older brother getting his. I remember I was told I was too young and had to wait another year.
@@123gozane I hope you figured out your answer to this and all the many many questions someone of your brain power must have to get through thier day... THE MAN LITERALLY CANT MOVE ANYTHING BELOW THE NECK AND YOU'RE IMAGINING HIM GETTING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO TAKE A PISS?!! FUCKIN HELL KAREN YOU JUST KILLED MY LAST TWO BRAIN CELLS I HOPE YOURE HAPPY!
There is, it's called intermittent positive pressure ventilation. If someone were to develop polio complications that would have put them into an iron lung these days, they'd use that instead as iron lungs aren't made any more.
I'm sure doctors have recommended modern ventilator methods to him. For one reason or another he's refused. There are cheaper and reliable medical devices available.
Here in Australia, aged 71, my severe Traumatic Brain Injury means that in a few years, I need some kind of tracheotomy to do the air pathway, and a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) into my stomach for food, fluids & medication. Using the throat for voice, air & fluids can be difficult. It's still experimental on how we disabled people can try to communicate to outsiders. Gadgets & devices are being invented.
It's worth mentioning that polio will come back to haunt you decades later, in the form of post-polio syndrome. My grandfather got polio as a child and almost ended up in an iron lung himself - he was paralyzed from the waist down for about two years immediately after, and lost a lot of his teeth. He's well into his 70's now dealing with post-polio syndrome slowly killing the muscles in his legs and he's more prone to falling over, but our family and his doctors keep a close eye on him.
This is the most heart warming and hope inspiring video I think I've ever seen on UA-cam. Please, do more of these! This world really needs some hope and warmth right now!
There’s gotta be something better. With all this technology you would think he would be out of that iron lung now. Well thank God for the people who designed it and maintaining it for him. He is a huge inspiration to all. I just can’t imagine going through what he’s going through. We all complain about little things, but nothing can compare to his life. Godspeed my friend🙏🏻🇺🇸
There should be something better. Shame on the healthcare industry of the United States. They have clearly failed us. I blame large monopolistic enterprises like Express Scripts and United Healthcare.
@@mywifesboyfriend5558 they don’t care about there people at all my friend from the United States got diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately he didn’t make it I learned he passed about 1 month after he passed and I truly was devastated and even right now I’m starting to tear up from thinking about him. He was my gaming buddy but that doesn’t matter if he was or not
Stories like these make me feel very grateful that I was born in today's era and that I was spared contracting these horrible diseases. A very big thank you to all the people who made it possible to eradicate this horrible disease. Because of them, I am able to live a healthy life today.
@ SK - yours is the best comment. I agree, if there is any inspiration to be drawn from Paul, I think it is (perhaps selfish) the gratitude of not living life like him because of the breakthroughs and other determined people. I don’t find Paul inspirational. His story scares the living daylights out of me because he is an example of how vulnerable and fragile we are. His achievements and very life is only possible because others are enabling him. But, I look to the people I know, who are or have been reliant on 'care' workers and they haven’t been so well treated or cared for.
In 100 years your comment would sound as if you read it today and it was written in 1900. Everyone is by definition, living in the most technological advanced era.
@@SwordOfS false sir, there have been remarkable periods of human regression throughout human history: it is a mistake to think of human progress as perfectly Linear at all times. The period following the Bronze Age for 500+ years was a step back in human advancement of almost 1,000 years. The collapse of the western Roman Empire meant the end of centralized European states for almost 900 years. It took Europe 1400 years to get running water again for context. Humanity has taken some MASSIVE steps back. The last 250 years are an aberration and represent a unique period of explosive human knowledge and Ingenuity which is not sure to last forever given history. We are but one climate catastrophe from losing some of the conveniences we know.
I had an uncle, 2 cousins, and 2 friends that were polio survivors. Thankfully, a withered leg is the only issue they were left with. I remember the leg braces and wheelchairs they needed.
Hats off to this man. I’m a pretty persistent guy myself. But there’s no way I could’ve done what he did. That’s going much further than just “reaching down deep inside” . That’s some serious transcendency .
What an amazing man! it makes me ashamed for all the times I gave up on something, believing I COULDN'T do it. I'm inspired, and grateful to have been able to know your story sir!
This man is an actual superhero. I’m astounded by this perseverance. Just unbelievable strength of will to keep living and find meaning in it. Humbling and inspiring.
This episode made me cry fr... It's so sad that so many children had to suffer so much... Big ups to those scientists for working so hard, and to all the kind men and women that fought so we can walk on our legs.
This video has been a true inspiration to me! I'm a kid who has several disorders like autism and ADHD but I promise not to let that stop me! Thanks paul!
What an amazing man! I heard about Paul many years ago and I had no idea he was still alive. What a true inspiration he is showing everyone no matter your circumstances you can accomplish just about anything ❤️
A very interesting video, I can't imagine how hard that would be mentally. It didn't stop this guy though and he accomplished more than some people that doesn't have his disabilities. I really admire this man and what he has done.
There is nothing for me to complain about This is a beautiful and inspiring story. Thanks for the courage and tenacity Paul, you show us that anything is impossible if we try
Paul's journey is remarkable and inspiring. I must add that the vaccine and near-eradication of polio would not have happened without the involuntary contribution of Henrietta Lacks. It was the experimentation with the cells from her dead body, without informed consent, that helped bring about this miracle. We can appreciate outcome AND recognize the questionable ethics that lead to that outcome.
I was thinking about this. It was from her cancerous tumor. Her family aren't getting paid for this. It's horrible because her everlasting cells are in most vaccines.
I dunno if I'd say he's 'trapped in it' and 'locked in it'. It makes me think of people saying 'wheelchair bound' when someone uses a wheelchair to gain independence and better quality of life. We're not bound by gravity or our legs, we use what we can to survive. So did this dude. He's a badass.
I have a 80 year old neighbor who survived, he was one of lucky ones only developing the shriveled limb symptom later in life, nicest man I know, completely unable to walk
Same here. The arthritis and rotting rotator cuff pains are chronic now ( I'm 76) but, compared to this brave soul, I really can't complain. So very glad to have learned about this man as now I have had a big ATTITUDE CHANGE. When ppl complained about health conditions to my Uncle Cliff he always said, "Well at least it's not cancer of the spine". ( he was an ass---e). So after seeing this I can tell myself that, at least I can move around AND WALK!! 😊 ✌ 👌 And as the AA saying goes ACCEPTANCE IS THE KEY !!! 😄
My father, a medical doctor in the state of Arkansas led a taskforce to immunize children and adults against polio across the state in the early 60s! I never knew this until after he passed away.
My brother got polio in 1952. He was the same age Paul was but he got the mild form. I was 6 months old but did not catch it. Later I was fortunate to be able to receive one of the early effective polio vaccines.
He and I have lived with this for about the same amount of time but mine was limited to my right leg and weakened my right side. What a tenacious grip to live is in most all living things and is illustrated by this man’s endurance and achievement. I’m gobsmacked.
@@verynormalcactus right!?! You hope he was able to use it as like a white noise and it just faded out as he drifted off. Ugh! Makes me have to stretch out my body too sheeeeesh!
Thank you for bringing Paul’s story to light. What an amazing man!!! I can’t believe we don’t have better technology for him by now. I’m going to save this video to watch whenever I feel whiny about my life.
What ever pure strength this man has inside him...whatever the substance that make his soul so strong is made of I have no idea what it is because so pathetically little of it resides within myself. I've been given a wealth of strength and resilience and health in my body that he never had....and yet I am 32 with no degree no serious job prospects although I was a truck driver for 7 years....I'm 32 and dying of likely heart failure and liver and kidney disease, due of course to rampant drinking and selfish decisions. I am in awe of your achievements sir and ashamed of myself. Meanwhile this man wrote a book with a pen to tap keys on a keyboard whilst locked in his iron lung! Pure legend
My aunt died of polio in the 1940s when she was just 5 years old. She caught it while taking a swim in a river Thank the scientists who eventually developed an effective vaccine to stop this dreadful disease. This was a global effort. We need more of that
That’s what polio does. And that’s why we have vaccinations for it now. The situation of polio is like the situation of virus we have today. And then we got the vaccine for polio and it’s all but disappeared. Maybe I’m just ignorant of the numbers but since I’ve been alive (20 years) I haven’t heard of a new polio case
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Not comparable at all. And yep, ignorant. The covid "vaccine" does not prevent it. It & it's variants are with us forever. Just like the flu never truly goes away.
@@NoName-rl3fh Covid vaccine is rushed from the constant fear of what media tells us. It's unproven unlike polio vaccine that has been tested with time.
Wow, Paul's story is so inspiring, that he acomplished so much even though he was confined to a machine. My grandma was one of the first to get the polio vaccine, she told me about it.
He didn't live every waking moment for 70yrs in that iron lung. Alexander taught himself glossopharyngeal breathing, which allowed him to leave the iron lung for gradually increasing periods of time. He represented clients in court in a three-piece suit and a modified wheelchair that held his body upright.
What an amazing man. God blessed him with smarts and the ability to never give up. I remember standing in the auditorium at El Segundo elementary in Compton, Ca. waiting to get the polio vaccine it was in the 1950's i was born in 1949. I have to say i was pretty glad when they came out with a sugar cube one. Thanks for sharing, stay safe, and God Bless
@@Flamsterette yes, “thats” should have been “that’s” with an apostrophe, and the “A” in “academics” shouldn’t have been capitalized in that context either. So its a bit obvious I didn’t post the comment with the intent of being grammatically infallible. Its just a quick comment lol.
Brilliant job on this video thanks. I once went out with a woman who had polio, she did have a horrible walk my poor love. Gophers came along (you know the battery operated disability buggy) This was her chance to get some independance! Go where she wanted anytime, yes this would be great. We had very little money to throw around to buy one ($5000 was needed) so we heard the gov was helping others out so we went and sat down with them and pleaded her case. They only wanted to change the car so she could drive it using a handle and a throttle and the steering wheel, I said that was great !! "but" I said, "do you think the supermarket would mind if she drives the car down the isle?" omg that just made the government officer lol.. We got the Gopher!! lucky I was young enough so we could pack it up into the car boot and she was finally able to go shopping yay !!! You should have seen the smile she had cruising around on her gopher, twas from ear to ear, I was so happy for her. I feel for every polio sufferer, the strength and will of them is incredible! and if you can give them some independence, that makes the world go round for them.
Paul is really so amazing!! I had my polio jab at school in 1958 when I was 12 and didn’t appreciate what this really meant at the time. Now after seeing this I realise I was so lucky.
Paul you are an inspiration to the sick and to learn that despite your illness you sir have done something few have done to make a difference to the people of this earth. Sorry you had to go thru this.
My father had polio and could barley walk, but he worked through it at the gym and binding his ankles, but polio didn’t end his life cancer did, he had a really hard life but he became an accountant and an amazing father. I miss him so very much.
My mom too at 7, still limps, she’s almost 80 now, but became a veterinarian with own practice, 4 kids, volunteered...polio kids became strong people, but most people from them did, x love Canadia, mom grew up Kenya, Hong Kong (where she got it) Somalia and uk. Gramps was a navy man
@wheren we will never know. But killing yourself or asking someone else to do it for you is the hardest thing someone can do in their life and my opinion is that most people wouldn’t kill them selves out of fear.
Wow, I actually learned quite a bit watching this video! Poor Paul, what an inspiration to others! He never let it stop him from accomplishing his dreams!! Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed this one!
Amazing story...for Paul to push past his disability and persevere in school is phenomenal! Mind over matter!!! If you want something bad enough, you can achieve anything!
Woah,this is the best video you've ever done,so inspiring and I love how the whole world teamed up to stop polio,thanks for this masterpiece and thanks to everyone who helped stop this disease
*WHOA
@Some random illager on UA-cam بس لا والله ما عليك Arabic and Spanish? Bot.
@Some random illager on UA-cam بس لا والله ما عليك You are a bot.
@@atharvarajsachdeva849 ya what are u taking about
O u play. Minecraft
I am one of the 300,000 survivors at age 79. Polio 9/5/1953 - paralytic unable to walk. Never into an iron lung. Use a wheelchair 24/7. Confined to home living on S/S. I feel for Paul and am sympathetic with his situation. Good luck to him, my prayers go out to him. Thanks for this video. John Cruckshank, Carver MA.
Search Jason Christoffś article 20 Thing You Donẗ Know About Polio. And itś not a vyurus.
@@BE74297 You should be made aware that basicly everything in that article is false or very misleading. I'll pick one of the 20 things just to show you that it is:
"6. Polio outbreaks hit throughout the summer, only during pesticide spraying times." This is not the case seeing as there were outbreaks in countries that were not actively using said pesticides either at all or to near the same degree, yet Polio hit those countries just as hard. I should add that Jason Christoff has no relevant expertise in Medicine, Chemistry or anything remotely relevant to the issue, but he does have a business that makes money from peddling misinformation.
The author is claiming that Polio cases were in fact due to pesticides and heavy metal poisoning, he is also trying to make the case that vaccines are some nefarious poison.
He completely misses the fact that Polio is a virus that has been observed through electron microscope photography. It is an Enterovirus to be specific. The damage and symtoms from Polio are very distinct from poisoning (people who subcumb to Polio also don't have any more of those toxins and heavy metals in them than any healthy person).
In addition Polio is still around but not in countries where you'll find higher levels of heavy metals or arsenic but in the countries where vaccination has been hard due to anti-western and religious propaganda and trouble with delivery in general. Other than in Afghanistan and Pakistan Polio has been erradicated globaly.
I hope you learned something. And please do apply a modicum of skepticism to what you come across. There are people claiming all sorts of things but generally the ones that are worth a damn have some serious science to back up their claims. In Christoff's case he neither has any data backing his assertions up, there is a mountain of scientific evidence that show that his claims are complete lunacy.
❤ you faced so much
I hope u r ok
Incredible! Thanks for sharing your story. Prayers to you as well.
When I was a toddler, my mom noticed that my right leg was slightly smaller than my left, and rushed me immediately to the hospital. Indeed I got the polio, but because my mom noticed it very early, now my right leg is just very slightly smaller than the left, and I don't feel any discomfort or any abnormality. Only my right shoes are always looser than the left. Lucky me.
Same as my daddy but not the shoe thing
I like you lived
Ouch
I want to say seventy years""" with your body in a tank """""not being able to be moving """"*"not mobile by any means of your own free wil""l how dare I catch myself complaining about life!! what do I got to complain about???. My own"" ignorance!! and may I learn from this understanding..Yeshua bless that man ,for he has had a ruff Life. To know you is the prize and the peace brakes from ignorance therefore we are not lacking in knowledge cuz we have your wisdom may always be with me Lord as well as those who love you.
That’s lucky!
Paul lived his life out of spite, and I respect that. "You'll never graduate high school" Paul: **graduates top of the class without even being there** "you won't get into college" Paul: **fights it for two years until he gets in** "you will never pass law school, it's way too difficult" Paul: **does it anyway**
He'll never be a tap dancer.
@@20alphabet 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Where ur Platinum
@@simplysage3562
Yeah, not so easy when you have to actually move.
Spite or perseverence?? Big difference
@@squeakysoliloquy83 probably a bit of both. For confident and determined people, the best motivator is someone telling them "no".
My high school history teacher was a polio survivor. He was bound to leg braces and crutches but he seemed to get around okay. He was an insanely interesting man, an actual history lesson in himself.
Corona was bad polio was worse
I had a swimming teacher guy with polio in high school. Everyone used to make fun of him the way he would walk. Turns out the guy did amazing things that normal people have a hard time doing it!
@@jasminkrieger8464Corona was way worse for deaths
@@RaeRaeWiltotally a virus that is bad only for older people (was bad ) but polio is way worse.
Poor Paul, at my current age I can tell you without a doubt that I could not survive that iron lung due to claustrophobia alone. You have to factor in that Paul was placed in that machine at a very young age and children adapt much better than adults, it’s all he knew. I was born without hearing, completely deaf but many surgeries later I joined the hearing world at age 13.. and I hated it! The sound of birds and traffic (etc..) terrified me! Being deaf was all I knew and I didn’t feel that I needed to be fixed but eventually I adapted. Paul’s story is very inspiring, what an amazing man. He was so accomplished compared to many of us who didn’t have the struggles he did. I paused this video and purchased his book, I’d like to know more about him. Thank you for featuring his story. 👍🏼😊🌻
My step mother went to Deaf School all her life. She didn't try to talk and could read lips. My Dad made her start talking and you'd never know she ever went to Deaf School. She could talk very well. But, said she didn't like the hearing aid. All the noise made her nervous.
This is such a cool post, thank you! I never would have thought of it being scary or someone who was deaf being "cured" and then hating all the noise! Thanks for this look into a world I know nothing about!
"I could not survive that" How naive... You literally have no choice but to survive in this situation, there is no way you can die even if you really want. And this is the worst part about any kind of situations like this.
People never stop and think of others and what and how things can effect them - I always wondered how a person born deaf or blind would perceive the world, if they could try what they lost from birth - And your post gave me an answer, thank you! It will make me a little more thoughtful of others.
I can definitely relate to you being so scared getting the hearing back. I'm part blind and when I went to a specialist and got some of my eyesight back..I was overwhelmed!! I had panic atta ks and my mind was too overactive from just too much information. I couldn't handle it and felt too unsafe and I opted to go back to my bad eyesight. I see ones on charity adds where the doctors take off the kids eyepatch and the kid looks around with a huge smile on their face and with wonder and I wonder how they do it and not get totally overstimulated
Hello there while working my way through nursing school i was a private care taker for Paul for a short time. I would come over, cook food for him, bath him, etc... the biggest thing that amazed me about Paul was at that time he was a Practicing Attorney in Dallas Texas. He trained himself how to frog breathe, he would swallow air and force into his lungs. He could stay outside his iron lung for a few hours. An incredible feat which made me realize the will to live and the pursuit happiness knows no bonds. Time passed our lives parted as my career and family took another direction. I have thought of him often this was a great video to catch in my UA-cam feed. Love you Paul
Wow!! What an incredible man!
With all the technology we have now, I’m curious as to why there were no other options for him.
@@Maggy776 all the technology we have now use positive pressure. in order for paul to breathe and actually stay alive, he needs negative pressure as well.
Jared Bishop
Thank you for your caregiving experience. You are lucky to have known such an inspirational person. And thanks for sharing.
I am curious how he gets bathed since his whole body is in the tube. I just wish someone could make him more comfortable today.
My father contracted polio, everyone told him that he’ll never amount to anything. He went to school and then college, graduating and majoring in engineering drafting. Working for the US government. He gave all of us, his children, 7 of us a very active and playful, adventurous, positive life. He’s in his 70’s . And still sharp as a knife. I love my father ❤️
After reading that I love your father.
Love to hear stuff like that.
He sounds exactly like my friend's father. I believe he's a professor. But same thing, can only use one shoe out of the pair he has to buy at the store.
clickbait
I'm sorry if it's true but I don't really belive that
R.I.P Paul Richard Alexander. Your story continues to inspire many.
Nooooo
He dead 😵 in 2024
It’s actually a good thing for him. He’s free now, no more suffering and free.
@@meimei1919 Suffering? I wouldn't call his achievements, suffering. Not to be rude, but why do so many people think, just because a person has a disability, they are suffering? I am able to ask this question, because I have Spina Bifida. However, I am very happy! I live a normal life, just as everyone else. I graduated from college. Have a husband and children. My motto is: I can do everything, you can do. I just do it, sitting down!
This man is a real trooper. He made the absolute best of his situation instead of just playing it safe. He’s an inspiration all right.
So true
He has a lot of good things to happy for
Ssw 321 xdr🤬🤬🤬🥶😭😤🕶😡🌀🤖
@@donovantaylor2703 what
@@donovantaylor2703 did you have a seizure I hope your ok
My grandfather had polio from childhood until he passed away in 2015. He was one of the strongest people I've ever had the good fortune to meet and get to know
My condolonces to you go. Friend if you feel like talking or venting you can chat me up
you mean covid19.
Search Jason Christoffś article 20 Thing You Donẗ Know About Polio. And itś not a vyurus.
Your grandfather was a victim of vax, and not of organic dust which they named virus
Paul is truly a living legend! I mean he helped develop the first Polio vaccine,he has 2 degrees and wrote a book! He has literally accomplished more than the average person has with the use of their entire body in my opinion. This is an example of never giving up no matter what obstacle is in your way.
Yet idiots says that "it brings autism towards the kids"
What was the point of bringing autism into the conversation? Are you trying to stir something up?
@@mufasagardner7170 I think they're just trying to say that the people back then thought that it may cause autism. I don't think they mean any harm by it.
@@mufasagardner7170 it's just the fact that people kept spreading misinformation ang not really learning some new from it, the lack of knowledge on vaccines makes people think that it's bad
@@itsandrue9545 👏👏👏
Credit where due: Brady Richards is the "heroic engineer" who saved Paul Alexander's life when his insurer and the device manufacturer threw their hands up in apathy. The call for help was heard the world over, but the person he needed was just 10 miles away!
An iron lung was so expensive, kids didnt have to get the avengers brought to them, they were the Avengers. Well for Paul, id say the man is the best iron man we have to date. I hope hes having a good day.
Same! Poor guy had a miserable life but at least he was alive
did he get out
@@dully7499 prob not they couldn’t take him out without his lungs collapsing
I'd rather they let me sleep in eternal peace than having to spend my life in that machine, not being able to go anywhere. Oh well here we are.
@@gotyou8226 ok if I was in that situation I would fully agree but sheesh
Paul you have accomplished more in your life than most people ever will. You are an amazing inspiration. It's now July of 2022 and for 70 years you have been in an iron lung. Most people would have given up long ago. But not you. You are a legend sir. Major respect.
His family clearly has tons of money to rake out for him. If he was poor he'd be dead
Rich people smh
@@atgimm2090
Why do you assume they must have been rich? The iron lung was probably donated to him from the hospital to send him home in it, just like many were donated to the hospitals themselves from that car manufacturer benefactor. School tuition was WAAAYYYY cheaper and affordable in his day, and there was always student loans too. Moms were overwhelmingly housewives when he was young, so he had a built in caretaker. And then the government made a program to offer live-in free caretaking for disabled people.
So please tell us why you assume that his family must have been rich?
@@atgimm2090 You're just talking out of your Ass, without having done any research whatsoever on this guy's background.
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 You need to realize that for most US-citizen the prospect of round the clock medical attention like that means you're paying millions or not getting it. I can see that some get confused by healthcare that is for all.
My Mom got polio when she was 2 years old. She had several surgeries on her legs and walked with a limp but she walked!! She was a fabulous swimmer!! She was very determined and never let polio stop her from doing what she loved!! She had 4 healthy children. 🥰❤️
Very nice
Mary ann kee
@Hk Tk a le ro me go
@Hk Tk you jealous bro
You mean 3, right? Cus, if im being honest, your profile pic is the pinacle of what polio can do if teamed with diabetes. Or a physicall description: Rotten Watermelon.
Rest In Peace Paul, Earlier this week Paul Alexander, "The Man in the Iron Lung," passed away on March 11th, 2024. Despite battling polio in his youth, he spent over 70 years confined to an iron lung. Throughout his lifetime, Paul pursued many years in education, became a lawyer, and even was a successful published author.
His remarkable journey touched countless lives worldwide, serving as a true inspiration to so many. Paul's legacy as an extraordinary role model is sure to endure in the memories of many.
Take Care Paul, you are at peace now. Ljay 🙌🙌🙌
Now he can live the iron lung and be a normal person in heaven😢
Once in an iron lung, always in an iron lung😢
What's really amazing -- and often understated -- about Salk's vaccine story is that he willingly gave up his chance to monetize it because he was more concerned with ensuring it got to as many people as possible than with what it meant for him. The reason all the later improvements were possible was ultimately down to Salk's complete selflessness.
I wish modern pharmaceutical companies were the same way…
Or people weren't so selfish. Buy a new 3 rd car ? Sure. Pay for a vaxxine ? WHY THE HELL DO I NEED TO , IT SHOULD BE FREE, I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH RESEARCH WENT INTO IT !
F|_|(|< PHARMA ! LET'S THROW A MEASLES PARTY INSTEAD, SURELY THE JADE EGGS IN THE WHOOHA WILL PROTECT US ....
salk discovered/invented the vax here in toronto- fuck the bs trying to give the usa credit for it in this video- nice try cheesebag
@@margauxnodvin7478 Ain't nothing for free.
What is not stated is that Sabin's vaccine CAUSED polio in some, even those who initially had the Sulk vaccine. Sabin vaccine was live vaccine, whereas Sulk's was dead.
I remember my mother’s fear about us catching polio... She was terrified! When I was in elementary school, the father of one of my schoolmates, was confined to an “iron lung”... I remember standing in line, at my school, Granada Hills Elementary School, to receive the Salk vaccine! Many years later, our entire family stood in line to be given a sugar cube that had been dosed with Dr. Sabin’s vaccine... I am almost 76...and those memories are as clear as if it had been yesterday!
Were u or your parents scared to get that vaccine? I wonder if ppl would be more accepting of the covid vaccine if it was delivered on a sugar cube.
Oh Me too I remember standing in line for the sugar cube too! I also remember standing line at the Armory in town waiting to be inoculated
@@dawnb2125 the polio vaccine took 20 years of research before it was even given!
@@dawnb2125 ...Not at all... Back in the 1950’s, vaccines/shots were administered at our schools... Students were be given printed materials/notifications to take home to their parents...when any vaccines were available... The parents would need to sign a permission slip...which we turned in to our teachers...
When the day arrived, our teachers would lead us to the auditorium...where we would line up and await our turn to be vaccinated... AND THESE WERE MULITI-USE SYRINGES!! The RN’s would administer a shot...and immediately refill THAT SAME SYRINGE for the next student!!
Times have sure changed!!
Me too. Memories very clear. We were ecstatic the vaccines came out.
. I dont underestimate the anti vaccination people. What do they think stopped polio and smallpox.
You are a hero, Paul. God bless you.
I was born in 1946, near the year Paul was born. I remember not being allowed to play outside one summer (maybe more?) because of the fear of getting polio. In particular, I couldn’t play in parks, sandboxes, or swim in any public swimming place. I guess I was nine before a vaccine existed.
I am grateful I didn’t get it nor anyone I knew. But I always remembered the pictures of rooms filled with children in iron lungs. So very sad.
Your not 80
@@norcikal6316 You'd be correct, 1946-2022 is only 76 years. This person literally could not possibly be 80. It's a good thing they never claimed to be 80.
Good thing polio skipped you and your friends :)
My heart cried out for Paul, and I'm glad he was able to pull through. Paul is the true face of determination
Paul has done more in his life than many of able bodied folks he took lots of lemons and made lemonade out of it.
Don’t pity him
He’s gone 70 years in this situation so I’m sure he’s not looking for it.
If anything, be motivated by him. Be inspired by him
Thankfully, for me, I was one of the first Polio Pioneers. Recently, I was bedridden for 3 months due to an accident. It nearly drove me crazy. What an amazing person Paul is.
w-wait w-what?! HOW in the hell is that possible? but congrats.
Paul's determination is monumental. I don't think I could have been so positive in his shoes. Fortunately for me, I received the polio vaccine as a child and never had to endure what he has. His incredible story and the vaccine has made me truly thankful.
What I don’t understand is that this video said that the vaccine was produced in oral form in 1961. Yet my brother got the shot version of it in 1969 when he was born (they left permanent scars on people’s upper right shoulder (they are very big circles all filled in with a ton of needle puncture marks - I never I knew that my brother was self-conscious of it, but he said the reason why he got a sun tattoo overlaying it in his 40s to cover it up was because of that reason). We are born and bread Southern Californian suburbanites, so it’s very bizarre that he wasn’t offered the oral version. I was born in 1975, and by then they had stopped giving polio vaccines.
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 it is not filled in with all kinds of needle puncture marks! They only gave you one shot in the arm or leg they did not give you many over and over again!
Also, they developed the oral back then but still gave it in shot form..
Even though I had the shot in 1959 in 1961 there had been another epidemic, people stood in line to get the oral vaccine which they placed in sugar cubes. My family had been vaccinated with the shot & still stood in those lines waiting to get the sugar cubed vaccine boosters.
They gave out two boosters in about a two months time!
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 they have never stopped giving the polio vaccines
@@cherifew3485
That’s not true.
@@anti-ethniccleansing465 you must not have children. Because, yes they do give the polio vaccine! You are a darn bot. Or a troll. There is Nothing on your youtube profile!
This is the first I have heard of this man and I've been on the planet a long time. Why hasn't the story of this man's life and his determination made more well-known?
Friend, I found you by chance again. I met u on the best damn podcast on discord it was our first time there.( It was not working) We were both watching his live show tonight. After, I came here and saw you here, nice. Algorithm must be recommending the same things for us.
@@waterswillcome6041 Hi Elsa! That's great! Will see you again on Jon's show on UA-cam at least. Not sure what's going on with the Discord.
Exactly o remembered this but then it was no more spoken of. I literally thought he passed then. So live that long he was used as a lab ratin my opinion. So sad we are know being exposed so much truth to do our own research..
Guess you've never seen The Big Lebowski
I think there is SO much info, so many stories, so many people it just isn't possible to read about everything. And I'm sure different media has to pick and choose ehat stories they run. I had a cousin with polio who died a couple years ago. We were both born in '49. I have always been VERY interested in everything having to do with polio and I'VE had to search for info. I've always known there were still people in iron lungs and the number of course dwindling over the years. God bless this man.
What an amazing man. He refused to let his paralysis hold him back. Paul is such an inspiration. Your life is what you make it.
Positive or negative choices!
There used to be a man who lived in Hertfordshire who lived in an iron lung due to having Polio when he was a young child. He was very liked and he was always cheerful. Always made me feel a little ashamed of myself as I am fit and healthy but do like to have a whinge about this and that. Paul and all the others that live in iron lungs are an inspiration to us all.
Isn't it better to live in a world where people are healthy and enjoy a quality of life where if it dips they complain than live how Paul did?
@@Gambit771 I have to agree with you. I hate moaning about my lot when I know I am more fortunate than many folks, that's all.
Whenever I feel like having a pity party, I remember my dad always said.... " You never have to look far to find someone who has it worse than you".
Paul's story moved me to tears. I am totally in awe of all he has achieved in his life. Not sure I could've hacked the iron lung. I believe everyone has a purpose in life and Paul's has been to teach us humility, courage, stamina, perseverance and, let's face it, he must truly LOVE life. 👏👍👊🙏 Well done, sir.
Bless you, Paul. If anyone is deserving after having such a fighting spirit and accomplishing all that you have without even moving from that machine...it's you. The only thing that I can say is that I hope you have a continual host of machinists willing to regularly keep an eye on your machine and replace parts as needed and I hope that your next life after this is marvelous and full of freedom.
Your comment is beautiful and heart felt. ❤️❤️❤️
I hope you get everything you ever wanted in your next life. Because you definitly deserve it.
There is no next life
@@bigbrisk8423 ...of course there is. Your body witthers and dies. Your soul lives on.
@@Vikingshop I think that our bodies are like batteries. When it dies, everything that powered it is contained, but has run out. I think death is like sleep, except no dreaming and never waking up. Life becomes so much more meaningful to those of us who don't believe in an afterlife.
Who does the voiceover on all these videos? It is done in such a smarmy ingratiating tone of voice, which drives most of us right up the wall.
I didn't know iron lungs were still a thing. It boggles the mind trying to think of what it must be like. You Sir are amazing.
They AREN’T still a thing. Paul has the ONLY one left in the world. It’s the same one he’s had. It started to break down in 2019. There were no parts to fix it because polio had been eradicated. There hadn’t been any iron lungs for years. An engineer was located and made the parts necessary for Paul’s iron lung to be fixed so he could go on living.
@@natalierozean5989, the only one in the world, wow! That is something. Thanks for the info.
@@natalierozean5989 He could have switched to a modern ventilator, many have. He chose not to.
@@natalierozean5989 Wow! You didn't have to rip their head off. You sound like the type of person that when someone says good morning to you, you start bitching that the sky isn't blue enough. Geez.
@@kimberlyholloway6888 no he can’t use the new medical equipment because he needs negative pressure which he can only get from the iron lung
The poor guy was basically trapped in the machine. He could only do cerebral things and the university not letting him in for 2 years must have been torture for him. So pleased he was able to study in the end.
in life we just have to leave everythink to god. because he is able to fix everythink
Alli
@@augustineshoriwa9061 what? You're literally watching a video where God DIDN'T fix anything and using it as an example of God fixing something. Unless you mean he fixed it for him to get into uni after fighting (himself) for two years. He didn't fix the actual issue but he fixed it so he could go to uni. Wow. I'm sure Paul just loves what God had planned for his life and I'm sure you'd be perfectly happy to live like that coz it'd just be God's plan, right? He loves you...
@@melodyvalentine8779 GOD WILL GET REVENGE MELODY! RUN FROM THE TYRANT!
@@augustineshoriwa9061 I used to think that too my friend but the older I got the more o realized it's not true. No God would allow what is going on in the world to happen and not stop it. I don't buy the whole free will argument.
YES!! I am one of the “Polio Pioneers” My first grade class got on a bus and went to a community center where we lined up and a nurse gave us a shot. Some of us cried but it wasn’t bad. I remember seeing iron lungs in the hallway of our hospital and thinking about the poor people in that thing. Thanks for this video.
a man that has been stuck in a metal tube for 70 years has mastered life itself.
this guy deserves more than just a medal.
(and if he dies, that machine better be buried with him. to remind others of his long life success)
YES
I would like to see it buried next to him though. Hate for him to be stuck in there even after death.
Better to put it on display as a life saver and reminder of what can happen if you don't take the proper precautions for health.
Or put it aside for parts like he needed lol
Buried with him?
Yea no
I remember getting the polio shot in my arm back then when I was about 5 years old. This story is absolutely amazing. What an amazing person
he is .
Same here and after the shot, I contracted polio. This channel is absolute hogwas brought to us most like from the same entity that introduced polio itself.
@@darlingusa2pettee57 Lol, never go full retard bud.
@darlingUSA2 Pettee And? It's possible sadly. But it's probably because of the shot that you're here to make some snide comment. You'd think besting something like this would make you nicer and not to up your own ass
I remember standing in line at the fire station to be vaccinated. It was the one on the sugar cubes (Sabin vaccine I think). It was the late ‘50’s
@@marycollins1024 I remember those sugar cubes too. But can't remember why they had them.
I know Paul isn't gonna read this, but you are incredibly brave for enduring such difficult tasks and still managing to be happy and find success. I hope Paul lives the rest of his life to the fullest.
Why write it then
Ehhh...
I enjoy hamburger. And french fries.
He can't get out of that machine that is not a way to live
You never know he may search on You Tube for things that he can relate to and look to see what trolls may be saying about him.
My husband contacted polio as a baby he couldn't take a single step until he was 7 years old and his uncle who had worked on physical development had worked with him since diagnosis.
He is 73 years old now and good health for his age apart from constant back ache.
Seeing this I realised how lucky he was
UK resident
I was a Polio Pioneer in grade school in
Hartsdale, NY. Glad to have done my part.
I don't ever remember getting the polio vaccine, but I remember my older brother getting his. I remember I was told I was too young and had to wait another year.
Thank you.
Thank you very much! I was born 1962 you helped me and all born that time
How do they use the bathroom? Can they leave the lung for a short amount of time?
@@123gozane I hope you figured out your answer to this and all the many many questions someone of your brain power must have to get through thier day...
THE MAN LITERALLY CANT MOVE ANYTHING BELOW THE NECK AND YOU'RE IMAGINING HIM GETTING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO TAKE A PISS?!! FUCKIN HELL KAREN YOU JUST KILLED MY LAST TWO BRAIN CELLS I HOPE YOURE HAPPY!
You'd think after 100 years science would have developed a different way to breath besides a huge bulky iron lung.
Yea i thought so too why isnt ther any other option for him i mean we have 2021 goddamn
There is, it's called intermittent positive pressure ventilation. If someone were to develop polio complications that would have put them into an iron lung these days, they'd use that instead as iron lungs aren't made any more.
I'm sure doctors have recommended modern ventilator methods to him. For one reason or another he's refused. There are cheaper and reliable medical devices available.
Here in Australia, aged 71, my severe Traumatic Brain Injury means that in a few years, I need some kind of tracheotomy to do the air pathway, and a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) into my stomach for food, fluids & medication. Using the throat for voice, air & fluids can be difficult.
It's still experimental on how we disabled people can try to communicate to outsiders. Gadgets & devices are being invented.
@@gregzeng I hope that something is invented before those actions need to be taken. Stay well.
It's worth mentioning that polio will come back to haunt you decades later, in the form of post-polio syndrome. My grandfather got polio as a child and almost ended up in an iron lung himself - he was paralyzed from the waist down for about two years immediately after, and lost a lot of his teeth. He's well into his 70's now dealing with post-polio syndrome slowly killing the muscles in his legs and he's more prone to falling over, but our family and his doctors keep a close eye on him.
😓
This is the most heart warming and hope inspiring video I think I've ever seen on UA-cam. Please, do more of these! This world really needs some hope and warmth right now!
What incredible inner strength Paul has demonstrated in his long life! He is a true Olympian of the spirit!
I wouldn't last a minute in that thing. Hes incredible
you would because you literally couldnt hold your breath while in this machine,and couldnt move. So there is no way to leave nor end your own life
There’s gotta be something better. With all this technology you would think he would be out of that iron lung now. Well thank God for the people who designed it and maintaining it for him. He is a huge inspiration to all. I just can’t imagine going through what he’s going through. We all complain about little things, but nothing can compare to his life. Godspeed my friend🙏🏻🇺🇸
There should be something better. Shame on the healthcare industry of the United States. They have clearly failed us. I blame large monopolistic enterprises like Express Scripts and United Healthcare.
Why don't you tell your god not to let things like this happen to begin with?
@@jackbusiness7879 It all comes down to profit, not patients. Wether you live or die, they get paid.
@@mywifesboyfriend5558 they don’t care about there people at all my friend from the United States got diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately he didn’t make it I learned he passed about 1 month after he passed and I truly was devastated and even right now I’m starting to tear up from thinking about him. He was my gaming buddy but that doesn’t matter if he was or not
People are so dumb and afraid to die. Watch some Nde and grow up!
I use to work with Paul. Amazing Attorney! Glad they did a story about him! They should make it into a movie!
After he passes away I bet thay will
what would they put in the movie smh. it would be the shortest movie in the world
Stories like these make me feel very grateful that I was born in today's era and that I was spared contracting these horrible diseases. A very big thank you to all the people who made it possible to eradicate this horrible disease. Because of them, I am able to live a healthy life today.
@ SK - yours is the best comment. I agree, if there is any inspiration to be drawn from Paul, I think it is (perhaps selfish) the gratitude of not living life like him because of the breakthroughs and other determined people. I don’t find Paul inspirational. His story scares the living daylights out of me because he is an example of how vulnerable and fragile we are. His achievements and very life is only possible because others are enabling him. But, I look to the people I know, who are or have been reliant on 'care' workers and they haven’t been so well treated or cared for.
In 100 years your comment would sound as if you read it today and it was written in 1900. Everyone is by definition, living in the most technological advanced era.
Polio is back in New York City now too…
@@SwordOfS false sir, there have been remarkable periods of human regression throughout human history: it is a mistake to think of human progress as perfectly Linear at all times. The period following the Bronze Age for 500+ years was a step back in human advancement of almost 1,000 years.
The collapse of the western Roman Empire meant the end of centralized European states for almost 900 years.
It took Europe 1400 years to get running water again for context.
Humanity has taken some MASSIVE steps back.
The last 250 years are an aberration and represent a unique period of explosive human knowledge and Ingenuity which is not sure to last forever given history.
We are but one climate catastrophe from losing some of the conveniences we know.
Then, there are people that think this is from government intervention.
I had an uncle, 2 cousins, and 2 friends that were polio survivors. Thankfully, a withered leg is the only issue they were left with. I remember the leg braces and wheelchairs they needed.
Hats off to this man. I’m a pretty persistent guy myself. But there’s no way I could’ve done what he did. That’s going much further than just “reaching down deep inside” . That’s some serious transcendency .
Paul died 11th March 2024. Rest in peace friend.
What an amazing man! it makes me ashamed for all the times I gave up on something, believing I COULDN'T do it. I'm inspired, and grateful to have been able to know your story sir!
😫😫😫😫😫😫 shame on me too
He wasn't trapped for 70 years necessarily but it definitely was his savoir for 70 years. Such an impressive story.
This man is an actual superhero. I’m astounded by this perseverance. Just unbelievable strength of will to keep living and find meaning in it. Humbling and inspiring.
Just imagine what the world could be like if everyone had the guts and perseverance of this truly amazing man.
Right?!?!!!
We would probably be the most successful life forms EVER!!!
"People turned to strange remedies that were often suggested by frauds trying to cash in on people's fear." You don't say...
STRANGE MEMORIES or STRANGE REMEDIES?
😧
2020 in a nut shell😳
@@sumaiyarezaee6717 yup, Like the vaccine.
My mom was a polio survivor.
Passed away at 54.
Love you mom, RIP♥️🇿🇦
Sorry for your loss
@@That-one-guy-who-5555 ❤️👍
This episode made me cry fr... It's so sad that so many children had to suffer so much... Big ups to those scientists for working so hard, and to all the kind men and women that fought so we can walk on our legs.
He’s still famous, but he’s already dead. Rest in peace him, in heaven.
This video has been a true inspiration to me! I'm a kid who has several disorders like autism and ADHD but I promise not to let that stop me! Thanks paul!
Thank you, dude! You're an inspiration too, keep truckin' on.
Change your name chad, you don’t deserve to be called that.
It's amazing what determination and perseverance can do!
A HERO without a cape
Not all hero’s have powers 😊
A hero who lives to tell the tale about a different point of view
@@elliemorris7037 and ca capes
But with an iron lung
agreed!
What an amazing man! I heard about Paul many years ago and I had no idea he was still alive. What a true inspiration he is showing everyone no matter your circumstances you can accomplish just about anything ❤️
Paul Richard Alexander (January 30, 1946 - March 11, 2024) Rest in Power🕯🕯🕯🙏
A very interesting video, I can't imagine how hard that would be mentally. It didn't stop this guy though and he accomplished more than some people that doesn't have his disabilities. I really admire this man and what he has done.
Bless his heart. I pray for this beautiful man. He's an inspiration🙏🏾🙏🏾
There is nothing for me to complain about This is a beautiful and inspiring story. Thanks for the courage and tenacity Paul, you show us that anything is impossible if we try
Exactly. I get abused everyday by my family, but I have a roof under my head and can walk so I can’t complain.
RIP Sir. Your life was hard but you made the best of it. A true inspiration ❤😢
Paul's journey is remarkable and inspiring. I must add that the vaccine and near-eradication of polio would not have happened without the involuntary contribution of Henrietta Lacks. It was the experimentation with the cells from her dead body, without informed consent, that helped bring about this miracle. We can appreciate outcome AND recognize the questionable ethics that lead to that outcome.
yes! v important part of the story
I was thinking about this. It was from her cancerous tumor. Her family aren't getting paid for this. It's horrible because her everlasting cells are in most vaccines.
I have heard about this mans story before I’m still happy that he is still living a good life
Ok so today i will be grateful that i can move and breath. Even with asthma im ok
🌹🥰
I saw a sunset today.i am grateful.
I would so love to see a movie of Paul’s story, especially with him still being alive would be great to get more of an insight to his life in his eyes
I dunno if I'd say he's 'trapped in it' and 'locked in it'. It makes me think of people saying 'wheelchair bound' when someone uses a wheelchair to gain independence and better quality of life. We're not bound by gravity or our legs, we use what we can to survive. So did this dude.
He's a badass.
This comment right here! I agree 100 percent
What an inspiration... if he was able to live through that, we've got no excuses. Best of luck to all of you.
My excuse is my brain dumb
There's a book out by a man born without limbs and the name of his book is NO EXCUSES !!
I have a 80 year old neighbor who survived, he was one of lucky ones only developing the shriveled limb symptom later in life, nicest man I know, completely unable to walk
Awesome story, I honestly don't think I would've wanted to live that way for so many years, he's definitely a hero to many dealing with polio
I will really try to stop complaining after seeing this. What an amazing strong willed person and I salute him!!
Same here. The arthritis and rotting rotator cuff pains are chronic now ( I'm 76) but, compared to this brave soul, I really can't complain.
So very glad to have learned about this man as now I have had a big ATTITUDE CHANGE.
When ppl complained about health conditions to my Uncle Cliff he always said, "Well at least it's not cancer of the spine".
( he was an ass---e). So after seeing this I can tell myself that, at least I can move around AND WALK!! 😊 ✌ 👌
And as the AA saying goes
ACCEPTANCE IS THE KEY !!! 😄
same
My father, a medical doctor in the state of Arkansas led a taskforce to immunize children and adults against polio across the state in the early 60s! I never knew this until after he passed away.
Paul still has a smile that could light up a whole room for a while
My brother got polio in 1952. He was the same age Paul was but he got the mild form. I was 6 months old but did not catch it. Later I was fortunate to be able to receive one of the early effective polio vaccines.
Praise God 🙏🙏🙏❤️
He is an amazing person. And I feel guilty and inadequate about being so much less productive than Paul. My hat is off to him.
I agree. He is awesome and unbeliveable
He and I have lived with this for about the same amount of time but mine was limited to my right leg and weakened my right side. What a tenacious grip to live is in most all living things and is illustrated by this man’s endurance and achievement. I’m gobsmacked.
@@aamzbro
"Looks up gobsmacked"
Yeah I've always felt horrible for this poor man
how did he even sleep in the noise of the machine
@@verynormalcactus idk 😅
…
@@verynormalcactus right!?! You hope he was able to use it as like a white noise and it just faded out as he drifted off. Ugh! Makes me have to stretch out my body too sheeeeesh!
@Austin Pickering Too, not to.
I love this man, I have chronic pain. I wanna be a doctor, I think this just shows me. Anything is possible! My brain is ready.
Go for it. I M’a praying for you. Jesus loves you, is a healer and can heal you if you let him, and/or can help you achieve your dream.
Blessings!!!
Waking up with your head sticking out of a big iron machine sounds like an actual horror story.
Wow. Anytime I think I am having a hard day, I have to remember how much harder others have it. Thanks for this video.
Thank you for bringing Paul’s story to light. What an amazing man!!! I can’t believe we don’t have better technology for him by now. I’m going to save this video to watch whenever I feel whiny about my life.
What ever pure strength this man has inside him...whatever the substance that make his soul so strong is made of I have no idea what it is because so pathetically little of it resides within myself. I've been given a wealth of strength and resilience and health in my body that he never had....and yet I am 32 with no degree no serious job prospects although I was a truck driver for 7 years....I'm 32 and dying of likely heart failure and liver and kidney disease, due of course to rampant drinking and selfish decisions. I am in awe of your achievements sir and ashamed of myself. Meanwhile this man wrote a book with a pen to tap keys on a keyboard whilst locked in his iron lung! Pure legend
My aunt died of polio in the 1940s when she was just 5 years old. She caught it while taking a swim in a river
Thank the scientists who eventually developed an effective vaccine to stop this dreadful disease. This was a global effort. We need more of that
That’s what polio does. And that’s why we have vaccinations for it now. The situation of polio is like the situation of virus we have today. And then we got the vaccine for polio and it’s all but disappeared. Maybe I’m just ignorant of the numbers but since I’ve been alive (20 years) I haven’t heard of a new polio case
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Random msg generator lmao
Yeah.. I don't think polio and covid are comparable
Not comparable at all. And yep, ignorant. The covid "vaccine" does not prevent it. It & it's variants are with us forever. Just like the flu never truly goes away.
@@NoName-rl3fh Covid vaccine is rushed from the constant fear of what media tells us. It's unproven unlike polio vaccine that has been tested with time.
It’s not comparable in any way
Wow, Paul's story is so inspiring, that he acomplished so much even though he was confined to a machine. My grandma was one of the first to get the polio vaccine, she told me about it.
He didn't live every waking moment for 70yrs in that iron lung. Alexander taught himself glossopharyngeal breathing, which allowed him to leave the iron lung for gradually increasing periods of time. He represented clients in court in a three-piece suit and a modified wheelchair that held his body upright.
What an amazing man. God blessed him with smarts and the ability to never give up. I remember standing in the auditorium at El Segundo elementary in Compton, Ca. waiting to get the polio vaccine it was in the 1950's i was born in 1949. I have to say i was pretty glad when they came out with a sugar cube one. Thanks for sharing, stay safe, and God Bless
Thats absolutely amazing. That mans life & Academic achievements and accolades surpass the majority of able bodied people.
Able-bodied, not able bodied.
@@Flamsterette yes, “thats” should have been “that’s” with an apostrophe, and the “A” in “academics” shouldn’t have been capitalized in that context either. So its a bit obvious I didn’t post the comment with the intent of being grammatically infallible. Its just a quick comment lol.
@@Ink_Addict93 "Lol" is not punctuation.
@@Flamsterette hmmm your first time on the Internet? Lol
@@Ink_Addict93 "Haha," not what you typed. I've been on the Internet since 1996, actually.
Brilliant job on this video thanks.
I once went out with a woman who had polio, she did have a horrible walk my poor love. Gophers came along (you know the battery operated disability buggy) This was her chance to get some independance! Go where she wanted anytime, yes this would be great. We had very little money to throw around to buy one ($5000 was needed) so we heard the gov was helping others out so we went and sat down with them and pleaded her case. They only wanted to change the car so she could drive it using a handle and a throttle and the steering wheel, I said that was great !! "but" I said, "do you think the supermarket would mind if she drives the car down the isle?" omg that just made the government officer lol.. We got the Gopher!! lucky I was young enough so we could pack it up into the car boot and she was finally able to go shopping yay !!! You should have seen the smile she had cruising around on her gopher, twas from ear to ear, I was so happy for her. I feel for every polio sufferer, the strength and will of them is incredible! and if you can give them some independence, that makes the world go round for them.
Paul is really so amazing!! I had my polio jab at school in 1958 when I was 12 and didn’t appreciate what this really meant at the time. Now after seeing this I realise I was so lucky.
Kids arent really affected by polio More the older side
My grandpa got polio as a kid, and luckily he is healthy as heck. He is 80 and still goes on thrill rides at Disney land
Paul you are an inspiration to the sick and to learn that despite your illness you sir have done something few have done to make a difference to the people of this earth. Sorry you had to go thru this.
My father had polio and could barley walk, but he worked through it at the gym and binding his ankles, but polio didn’t end his life cancer did, he had a really hard life but he became an accountant and an amazing father. I miss him so very much.
My mom too at 7, still limps, she’s almost 80 now, but became a veterinarian with own practice, 4 kids, volunteered...polio kids became strong people, but most people from them did, x love Canadia, mom grew up Kenya, Hong Kong (where she got it) Somalia and uk. Gramps was a navy man
That's sad
@Fire the Wolf pup but shows you can overcome anything
@@chrisrandall2710 yeah true
R.I.P Paul Alexander. 😢
I would never be able to live that way, I would ask to be euthenized. Certainly he had a really strong character
I would have also.
That is what a lot of people say but actually being put in that situation is different I doubt you would have made that decision
100% agree.
@Lèmon Lēe okay buddy
@wheren we will never know. But killing yourself or asking someone else to do it for you is the hardest thing someone can do in their life and my opinion is that most people wouldn’t kill them selves out of fear.
Wow, I actually learned quite a bit watching this video! Poor Paul, what an inspiration to others! He never let it stop him from accomplishing his dreams!! Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed this one!
Amazing story...for Paul to push past his disability and persevere in school is phenomenal! Mind over matter!!! If you want something bad enough, you can achieve anything!
What a wholesome and inspiring story! I had never heard of Paul Alexander before, thank you so much for sharing this with us!