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Man Has Spent 72 Years in an Iron Lung - Teaches Us How to Live a Full Life
Everyday Heroes

Man Has Spent 72 Years in an Iron Lung - Teaches Us How to Live a Full Life

For most of us, the idea of spending even ONE day confined to an iron lung seems unimaginable. Yet Paul Alexander spent a literal lifetime — seventy-two years — before his recent death on March 11.But instead of letting it imprison him, he used it as an opportunity to thrive. And his inspiring life is a masterclass in the power of never giving up. The Worst Polio Outbreak in U.S. HistoryIt was the summer of 1952 and the height of the polio pandemic. Public swimming pools and playgrounds were closed. So were bowling alleys, bars, churches, and movie theatres. Cities doused their streets with DDT insecticide; all in a desperate attempt to stop the disease from spreading. Nothing worked. By the end of the year, nearly 59,000 children were infected with the virus and thousands were left paralyzed, including six-year-old Paul Alexander."I remember it was really hot and raining, something that is sort of rare for Dallas in August," Paul recalled, "and my brother and I had been outside playing, running around and getting wet when the rain started.""Our mother called for us to come in for dinner, and I remember her taking one look at me -- hot and wet and feverish -- and she cried out, 'Oh my God!' She ripped my clothes off and threw me onto her and my dad's bed and called the doctor."Six days after first being diagnosed, Paul ended up in the hospital, struggling to breathe.It would be 18 months before he went home, paralyzed from the neck down and sentenced to life in an iron lung.Not Allowing Circumstances to Control His LifeDespite the extreme limitations imposed by his condition, Paul refused to succumb to despair. With his parents as his biggest cheerleaders and advocates, Paul dove headfirst into embracing life."They just loved me," he said of his parents. "They said, 'You can do anything.' And I believed it."Paul AlexanderHis parents stayed with him in shifts and his mom lobbied the school district to be able to home-school her son — something that until that point had been largely unheard of. They also hired a physical therapist, Mrs. Sullivan, who taught Paul to "frog-breathe," a technique that allowed him to breathe on his own for short periods.It opened up a whole new world for Paul and freed him from his shackles, allowing him to exchange his iron lung for a wheelchair for a few hours at a time. At the age of 21, Paul graduated with honors from high school. But he still wasn't done. He applied to the Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Despite being repeatedly rejected by the university administration for being "too crippled," Paul refused to give up. After fighting for two years, he finally wore them down. He got his Bachelor's degree in economics (while living in the dorms) and then went on to earn a law degree from the University of Texas, passing the bar in 1986. For more than three decades he worked as a lawyer, eventually opening up his own practice, concentrating on criminal and family law and bankruptcy cases.Living Life to the FullestIn 2020, Paul published his memoir, Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung. It took him five years to complete and he wrote every single word himself, using a pen attached to a stick held in his mouth.In 2022, Paul broke the world record for spending the longest amount of time living in an iron lung. And at the beginning of this year, Paul made his debut on social media, creating a series of videos entitled, "Conversations with Paul," in which he responded to comments and questions about his life, his polio, and living in an iron lung. In one TikTok viewed over 4.3 million times, Paul shared his secret to staying positive amid life's ups and downs. "There's great purpose in being positive. I've seen so many people suffer in my life and I learned not to let that bring me down but to try to contribute something good for that person." In addition to graduating from university, practicing law, becoming a sought-after speaker, writing a memoir, and inspiring millions on social media, Paul also managed to find time for other not-so-little things. "Over the course of his life, he has been on planes and to strip clubs, seen the ocean, prayed in church, fallen in love, lived alone, and staged a sit-in for disability rights," wrote the Guardian in 2020.“I wanted to accomplish the things I was told I couldn’t accomplish and to achieve the dreams I dreamed."Paul AlexanderOn Setting Your Mind to Accomplish Your GoalsWith sheer grit and determination and an incredible attitude of positivity despite devastating circumstances, Paul accomplished more in his life imprisoned than most of us will free. And he is beyond inspiring. Because if a man confined to an iron tube for the majority of his life can achieve great things, that means we can too. In a 2021 interview, Paul summed it up best: “My story is an example of why your past or even your disability does not have to define your future." “No matter where you’re from or what your past is, or the challenges you could be facing, you can truly do anything. You just have to set your mind to it and work hard.”More from Goalcast:Prisoner Who Earns Only 13 Cents/ Hour Donates His Entire Wage – This Completely Changes His LifeWoman Finds a Note Left by a Stranger on a Train – And It May Have Saved Her LifeWoman Rearranges Her Life to Take Care of Her Husband – After He Passes Away, She Finds His Secret Hidden Letters

12-Year-Old Is Forced to Start Working to Pay Bills - Finally, She Decides to Finish What She Started 60 Years Ago
Uplifting News

12-Year-Old Is Forced to Start Working to Pay Bills - Finally, She Decides to Finish What She Started 60 Years Ago

When it comes to accomplishing dreams you set out for yourself as a kid, it’s never too late. One great-grandmother from Queensland is living proof that your dreams stick with you forever.Sharon Sutton didn’t grow up with much. When she was a kid, she wasn’t able to attend high school because of a lack of resources. At age 12, she got a job to help her family pay the bills. Why One Woman Had to Start Working at 12 Years OldPhoto by cottonbro studioFast forward six decades and 73-year-old Sharon is pictured throwing her graduate cap during her commencement ceremony. “I've never stopped learning," Sharon said. “Even in those 55 years between finishing primary school and starting university, I don't think I ever stopped learning. I was always reading something and finding something new.”As a kid, Sharon loved to go to school. She had aspirations of becoming a history and geography teacher when she graduated. “I just assumed I was going on to high school,” she said. “I said something to my mum about, ‘Next year when I go to high school’ — and she told me that there was no high school… because mum and dad didn't have the money to buy uniforms or books or shoes. I was 12 when I started working in a clothing factory, which today would be called a sweatshop.”Sharon always knew she would get her degree one day. Over the next 40 years, Sharon and her husband worked on a cattle farm while raising their children and grandchildren.When she retired, she remembered what she set out to do and enrolled herself at the University of the Sunshine Coast. At school, she studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and minoring in history and Indigenous studies.How a Grandmother Proved the Importance of Chasing Your Dreams Today, Sharon stands proud of the five years she worked to get her degree. She was constantly surrounded by people much younger than her but always managed to keep her head up. “I didn't just scrape over the line, she said. “I got good marks in so many subjects and so many assignments.” What Sharon found the most difficult in all of her studies was the technological aspect. She had to create PowerPoints and submit online assignments, which she had never done before. “I can remember submitting my first assignment and wondering whether it was going into the black hole of technology and if I'd ever see it again,” Sharon said. “PowerPoint presentations were an absolute nightmare, but I always got over the line with the content.” When Sharon was completing the forms for graduation everything became real. "I started to cry. I thought, 'Gee, it's real now, it’s not something just down the track. It's actually going to happen, I'm actually going to get a university degree,'” she said. “I think Mum would be proud.”Sharon’s message to everyone wanting to further their education is to “just go for it.” It’s never too late to finish what you started. “The environment and the atmosphere is so good, and mixing with the young people and listening to their views on things — it's just a great experience,” she mentioned. “I miss it terribly already.”More from Goalcast:Boy Walks More Than 2 Hours to Make It to His Graduation – Then an NFL Star Steps Up With a Free RideSingle Mom Asks Stranger to Cheer for Her Daughter at Graduation – Little Did She Know Just What He Was About to DoTeacher Thinks His Students Are Looking “Scruffy” at Their Graduation – Gives Them All Free Haircuts in School

9-Year-Old Boy Always Gets in Trouble for Doodling in Class - But Then He Lands a Job to Decorate a Restaurant
Uplifting News

9-Year-Old Boy Always Gets in Trouble for Doodling in Class - But Then He Lands a Job to Decorate a Restaurant

Society often discourages children from being creative. In school there are rules to follow, lines to draw inside of, and desks to sit still in. One nine-year-old in the UK found this out the hard way when he kept getting reprimanded for doodling in class. Whether in his notebook or on the class whiteboard, Joe Whale couldn't stop doodling. However, due to the support of a local business, as well as his parents, he found a channel for his creative pursuits outside of the classroom. Why One Little Boy Kept Getting Into Trouble in Class His artistic journey began to take off when his parents kept getting told of his 'misbehavior' by teachers. They, however, were entirely supportive of his budding artistic talent, and enrolled him in after school drawing lessons to encourage, and foster it. There, his teacher recognized his talent, and began to post his drawings on social media. One of these posts caught the attention of a local restaurateur, who asked if Joe would be willing to decorate the interior of his restaurant.Joe and his family were overjoyed by the request, and he is well on his way to bringing his doodles to a much wider audience. His parents and the restaurant worked out an agreement that doesn't interfere with his schooling -- Joe's father Greg drives him to the restaurant after school every day where he decorates across the interior walls. Once his work is complete, the nine-year-old's drawings will remain there permanently, for all to enjoy.The boost of confidence was all Joe needed and now he is up and running as a bona-fide artist. He has own Instagram page, which his dad manages, where he showcases his newest doodles. How a 9-Year-Old Proved the Importance of Following Your Dreams With his growing popularity, Joe's talent caught the attention of major companies; he has some big-name collaborations under his belt, including Nike and Pixar. It's remarkable how his doodles, with their simple yet imaginative charm, resonate with people of all ages. Joe's creativity has completely transcended the boundaries of a classroom, inspiring others to embrace their own unique talents.His whimsical doodles capture his youthful excitement, and really bring any space to life. His story is a shining example of how far parental support and the right guidance can take young talent. Instead of letting his teachers discourage him, Joe followed his budding passion and had the right people around him to nurture it. Many like him might never even recognize their passion, let alone have the guidance to follow it. Joe's journey is a testament to the transformative power of support and encouragement. His parents, his art teacher, and the restaurateur recognized his talent early on and provided him with the platform he needed to flourish.In doing so, they have given a young boy the confidence to pursue his dreams and inspire others along the way. Joe Whale, the once reprimanded doodler, is now a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to nurture and celebrate the creativity that resides within each and every one of us.

Immigrant Janitor Graduates From Nursing School - And Works at the Same Hospital He Used to Clean
Uplifting News

Immigrant Janitor Graduates From Nursing School - And Works at the Same Hospital He Used to Clean

Turning your dreams to reality doesn’t happen overnight. It takes long days and years of focus to become who you hope to be. Recently, one immigrant from Dominican Republic actualized his childhood dream.Why One Young Man Became a Janitor at a HospitalPhoto by Jon Tyson on UnsplashFrank Baez came to America at 14 years old. At the time, Frank didn’t speak English but he quickly learned during high school. At 17 years old, Frank got a job as a weekend custodian at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital. He was doing all he could to help his family succeed in a new country.Working in the hospital was the fast-paced environment that young Frank was looking for, even though it was just a role as a janitor. Eventually, Frank got a job in patient transport, taking patients to various tests and procedures. In this role, Frank was more able to interact with patients and help them. It was around this time that Frank fell in love with the medical field.“He was always compassionate to patients and families,” said Nataly Pasklinsky, the current director of simulation learning at the NYU nursing school. “He would ask the nurses questions about patient care and what it takes to become a nurse. My colleagues and I encouraged him to follow his dream.”While working at the hospital, Frank received a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College. He graduated in Spanish literature with a minor in biological sciences, becoming the first member of his family to graduate college.How One Man Proved the Importance of Following Your Dreams After college, Frank continued to work at the hospital as a unit clerk. He was able to work closely with the nurses and pick their brains. “I felt inspired by them to become a nurse, so I told them ‘I want to be a nurse like you guys,’” he said. “I was inspired by their work and everything they do for their patients.”Frank then enrolled himself into an accelerated 15-month nursing program. He went through long, tiring days balancing work and school. His morning classes went until about 2pm, then he’d eat some lunch before his hospital shift started at 3. After work, he’d be up late doing his assignments for the next day. When he graduated from nursing school, Frank’s dream became reality. He got hired as a nurse in the ICU at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital. “When I was a housekeeper, my priority was to help my mom, to help bring money to the house and to learn English,” Frank said. “Thankfully, through all of my experiences at work, I was able to discover my dream.”Frank isn’t done yet. He’s training to become qualified as a bilingual specialist at the hospital and help Spanish speaking people get the care they need. “I was hoping that I would be able to care for patients in Spanish,” he said. “I wanted to work with under served populations.” He also hopes to go back to school soon to receive his PHD. “Education doesn’t stop here,” he mentioned. “It’s something that has to continue to evolve. The more educated I get, the more lives I can touch and the more people I can inspire to accomplish their dreams.”

Teen Has to Get a Job to Help Provide for His Family at 13 - Years Later, Something Unexpected Reminds Him of His Forgotten Dream
Uplifting News

Teen Has to Get a Job to Help Provide for His Family at 13 - Years Later, Something Unexpected Reminds Him of His Forgotten Dream

It’s never too late to start chasing your dreams. One long-time auto mechanic proved that age can be an advantage, rather than an obstacle.Carl Allamby grew up in Cleveland, Ohio alongside his four siblings. He recalls an early memory of seeing Denzel Washington playing a doctor in the 80’s TV series St. Elsewhere. This role sparked an idea in young Carl’s head -- he wanted to study medicine and become a doctor.Why One Auto Mechanic Decided to Become a Doctor at 51Photo by Kevin BidwellIn Carl’s childhood years, his family didn’t have much. At as young as 13-years-old, Carl had to get a summer job to help pay for school supplies, clothes and even food. At age 15, he got a job at an Italian restaurant where he eventually became a line cook.As soon as Carl graduated high school, he began working at an auto repair shop. He worked his way up the ladder for years and years before buying the whole place and calling it ‘Allamby’s Auto Service.’At age 34, Carl felt like he hit a wall with his business. He was living comfortably but he knew he could accomplish so much more. He decided to enroll in a four-year business program at Ursuline College to take his auto shop to the next level.One of the requirements of his degree was a biology course. Carl put it off for as long as possible as he felt it wasn’t going to help him with his shop. When he finally arrived, the class brought back his childhood dream of becoming a doctor. "When I took the biology class, it was just phenomenal. I loved it from the moment that I first walked in there," Carl said. He went home immediately after to tell his wife he was going to pursue medicine.With his family’s approval, Carl shifted his focus and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science. By 2015, he had started medical school. At med school, Carl was by far the oldest student. When he walked in his classmates would sit up and introduce themselves. "Then, they'd ask me if I was the professor," he said. They'd be surprised when he explained that he was "one of them.”How One Man Proved It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Dreams Instead of viewing it negatively, Carl felt like his age was an advantage. "Younger students are dealing with much different circumstances ... but I was very focused. I knew how to stay focused on the task in front of me.” Carl said, “There's some internal stigma that kind of sticks with you when you're an older person, that you're an older person. But my philosophy has always been to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. And the more I can put myself into uncomfortable situations, the more I can grow.”Carl graduated from medical school at age 47 and at age 51 was hired as an attending physician at Cleveland Clinic’s Hillcrest Hospital. He believes there’s more similarities between mechanics and doctors than people think. “I know when I show up in the hospital that people are looking at me to be somebody who they can rely on to take care of their health needs and to give them guidance. But I've been dealing with that for a long time," he said. "Back in the automotive industry, it was interestingly similar, because people put that same kind of trust and those same kinds of responsibilities on me when it came to taking care of the car.”Carl Allamby hesitates to call himself exceptional. He believes he actualized his dream through hard work over a long period of time rather than some special talent. His ups and downs and life experience shaped him into the doctor he is today.

Uber Driver Trusts Her Instincts And Narrowly Escapes Kidnapper By Jumping Out Of Car
Uplifting News

Uber Driver Trusts Her Instincts And Narrowly Escapes Kidnapper By Jumping Out Of Car

According to celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls, "Your best chance of thwarting an abduction attempt is in the first few seconds." Fortunately, an Uber driver in Tennessee knew that in her gut and managed to escape a violent kidnapping.A split-second decisionLast May, Uber driver Carolina Vargus accepted a long-haul Uber trip from 51-year-old Christopher Miller to drive him from Nashville to Cleveland, Tennessee.Days later, she accepted another long-haul trip from the same customer to go the other direction – but during the ride back, Miller pulled out a knife and held it to Vargus' throat.“He asked me for my cell phone, then he put the knife on my throat. I grabbed the phone. I had to unplug it because I had it charging," Vargus told WDEF.Then, she made a split-second decision that saved her own life."That’s when I jumped out of the car at that second,” she said.No regretsVargus tumbled out of the car and was seriously injured.“I was in the middle of the highway. I broke three teeth, I hurt myself all over my body. A tire drove over my left leg. My legs are super swollen, I feel like a ball of fire on my leg,” Vargus said in a gut-wrenching video posted by the local news station.Despite her injuries, Vargus has no regrets.“It was so scary. It happened to me. Just listen to yourself, if you do not feel safe in a situation or place, take action," she said."Don’t wait, one second can really really save your life,”Carolina VargusAs for the attacker, he was arrested and charged with kidnapping an adult, possession of a weapon, and hijacking a motor vehicle.Take actionExperts confirm that Vargus is right. The first seconds of an abduction could really be the difference between life and death, because if the kidnapper takes you away authorities may not be able to track you down.Take this as a reminder to take action and follow your gut — even if a literal knife isn't at your throat it might be how you'll save your own life. More uplifting news:Father Adopts ‘Feral Child’ Who Was Locked In Tiny Room For The First 6 Years of Her LifePolice Officer Adopts Abused Toddler After Rescuing Her From Unsafe HomeCashier Trusts Her Instincts And Rescues Woman From Kidnappers Who Assaulted HerBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others.