"Contrary to popular belief, polio is not extinct. This is the true story of an indomitable spirit afflicted with unimaginable physical and psychological challenges. Paul Alexander's life is a saga that started in 1946 and has been profoundly shaped by the polio epidemic of the early 1950s. Survivors of the 1950s polio epidemic in America are rare. Polio victims, like Paul Alexander, who require the assistance of an 'iron lung' respirator for the rest of their life's breath are even rarer. Paul Alexander has crafted his life against all odds and has a courageous and compelling story to share with us all. Victims of polio, and their families, friends and communities are struggling to cope with this obscure but still dangerous infectious disease. This book is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit and an affirmation of the need to continue efforts to eradicate the pestilence of polio from the planet."--Back cover.