Paul Alexander’s life was truly remarkable. Paralyzed by polio at just six years old, he spent most of his life inside an iron lung—a large, metal respirator invented in the 1920s to help patients breathe when their muscles could no longer do so on their own. Paul was one of the last people in the world still using this nearly obsolete machine.
In 1952, during one of the worst polio outbreaks in the United States, Paul became seriously ill. His condition worsened rapidly; he could no longer swallow, hold anything, or breathe properly. After an emergency tracheotomy, he was placed in an iron lung, where he spent 18 months recovering. At that time, thousands of children suffered from polio, and many lost their lives. In fact, the year Paul fell ill, nearly 58,000 people contracted the disease in the U.S., and over 3,000 died.
Initially, one doctor even pronounced Paul dead, but thankfully another doctor saved him with the emergency procedure. When he woke up inside the iron lung, he was terrified and confused, unable to move or speak, unsure if he was alive or dead. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Paul refused to give up.
With the help of a dedicated therapist named Mrs. Sullivan, he learned a breathing technique called “frog breathing,” which allowed him to breathe outside the iron lung for short periods. This small victory gave him hope and independence. Over time, he was able to spend more time out of the machine, slowly regaining control over his life.
Paul’s determination led him to incredible achievements. He became the first person in Dallas to graduate from high school with honors without ever attending classes physically. He fought hard to get into college, eventually enrolling at Southern Methodist University despite many rejections. He was accepted under the condition that he receive the polio vaccine and that a fraternity would take responsibility for him. He didn’t stop there; he went on to law school at the University of Texas at Austin, passed the bar, and practiced law in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 30 years.
Even though modern ventilators had become available, Paul chose to continue using his iron lung, the machine that had literally kept him alive. He even traveled with it, taking it to college and other places, surprising and inspiring those around him. When his iron lung nearly broke down years ago, he scoured barns, garages, and junk shops for old machines and spare parts to keep it running.
Paul’s life was a testament to resilience and courage. He typed his own book using a pen attached to a stick, proving that no physical limitation could stop him from achieving his dreams. Despite facing discrimination and discomfort from others early in life, he persevered and lived an inspiring, full life.
Paul Alexander passed away in March 2024. His brother Philip remembers him not for his illness, but for his warmth, humor, and vibrant spirit. They shared a close bond, just like any brothers do, full of love, fights, and laughter. Paul’s story continues to inspire people worldwide, reminding us that the greatest limits are those we place on ourselves.
His journey shows that with determination and support, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. Paul Alexander’s legacy is one of hope, strength, and the power of never giving up.
POLITICAL activist Charlie Kirk’s last words before being fatally shot during a debate event in Utah have emerged.
The Conservative activist, 31, was doing a Q&A at Utah Valley University in Orem when a single shot was fired at him on Wednesday afternoon.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate in UtahCredit: AP:Associated Press
Kirk, a father of two, was hosting an event for Turning Point USA, a nonprofit he founded at 18 which works with conservative youth on college campuses, when he was struck.
The event was previously described as a “high-energy evening featuring a candid conversation about conservative values.”
A video circulating on social media shows the activist speaking from a tent with “The American Comeback” written on it as gunfire rang out.
Moments before he was shot, Kirk was discussing gun violence throughout the country.
“Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?” one audience member asked Kirk.
“Counting or not counting gang violence,” he replied before being cut off by the gunshot.
FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement on X that the person responsible for the shooting had been arrested.
However, when asked about the statement, Utah officials said that a person of interest was being interviewed.
Chilling footage showed Kirk recoil back to his left and fall into his chair.
Blood could be seen pouring down from his neck as the crowd began to panic.
Attendees screamed and chaotically fled the stage area after Kirk collapsed.
Witness Justin Higgens told NBC News that he saw the speaker get hit by the bullet.
“We heard a big loud shot, I saw a bunch of blood come out of Charlie, I saw his body kind of kick back and go limp, and everybody dropped to the ground,” Hickens said.
As people began to dash for the exit, Hickens said he felt safe as no more gunshots rang out after Kirk was hit.
“I kind of turned around and all of a sudden I saw officers walking with this very elderly gentleman with white hair,” Hickens said.
“They had him arrested, they had him on his knees and he was screaming about his rights and all that stuff.
“They cuffed him and put him away.”
Witness Tyler McGettigan also told NBC News that there was no security going into the event.
“I was expecting when I got here that I’d have to pass through some kind of security, but that just wasn’t a thing,” McGettigan said.
“No one checked the barcode or the QR code. There was no checkpoint to get in. It was literally, anyone could walk in if they wanted.”
Donald Trump confirmed the death of his longtime friend on social media.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” he posted.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children, a one-year-old son and a daughter who turned three just weeks ago.
Initial statements reported that Kirk was in critical condition as he was being treated at a local hospital.
“[Kirk] is in the hospital, and we are praying for him at this time,” Turning Point USA initially confirmed to NBC News.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox posted on X immediately after the shooting, declaring that he will hold those responsible “fully accountable.”
“I am being briefed by law enforcement following the violence directed at Charlie Kirk during his visit to Utah Valley University today. We will continue to share updates,” the governor posted.
“Those responsible will be held fully accountable. Violence has no place in our public life.
“Americans of every political persuasion must unite in condemning this act. Our prayers are with Charlie, his family, and all those affected.”
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been shot at a university speaking event in Orem, Utah.
Politicians and fellow political activists were quick to condemn the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
“The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible,” Democratic California governor Gavin Newsom posted on X.
“In the United States of America, we must reject political violence in EVERY form.”
Trump also begged for prayers as Kirk fought for his life.
Kirk rose to fame after being an early supporter of Trump’s bid for president in 2012, when he was just 18 years old.
The two came together for presidential rallies and events hosted by Kirk’s organization.
In January, the day before he was sworn into office, Trump spoke about Kirk, who was in attendance at an event.
“Charlie Kirk is here. And I want to thank Charlie,” Trump said at the time.
“Charlie is fantastic. I mean, this guy.”
The campus police chief, Jeff Long, said that he was left heartbroken after Kirk was killed on their watch.
“You try to get your bases covered, and unfortunately, today, we didn’t,” he told reporters at a conference.
“Because of that, we have this tragic incident.”