Paul Alexander, known as the "iron lung man," died after spending most of his life living using an iron lung chamber to help him breathe, at the age of 78, according to a fundraising campaign for his healthcare confirmed on Tuesday.

Alexander from Dallas, Texas, contracted polio in the summer of 1952 when he was 6 years old, resulting in paralysis from the neck down.

He was forced to live inside the iron lung chamber for the rest of his unusual life, yet he was known for his positive attitude and courage.

Christopher Ulmer, who created a GoFundMe page for Alexander to help fund his healthcare needs, wrote: His story spread widely and positively influenced people around the world... Paul was a wonderful role model who will remain in memory.

At the age of 21, Alexander became the first person to graduate from a high school in Dallas without attending classes in person, according to the Daily Mail.

He sought to fulfill his dreams of becoming a lawyer and representing clients in court.

He also organized a sit-in for the rights of people with disabilities and published his 155-page memoir, which took five years to complete.

Alexander entered the Guinness World Records as the person who spent the longest time living in an iron lung chamber.

In an interview with Reuters before his death, Alexander said: My story is an example that your past or even your disability does not necessarily determine your future.

The iron lung is a cylinder that encases the body where air pressure in the chamber pushes air in and out of his lungs.

Philip, Alexander’s brother, said the fundraising campaign, which raised more than $143,000, helped him live his final years.