Martha Lillard, the last American reliant on an iron lung, passed away at 78 after battling the effects of polio and COVID-19.
Martha Lillard, a 78-year-old woman from Oklahoma, has died, marking the end of an era for those who relied on the iron lung, a device that helped her breathe since childhood. Diagnosed with polio at the age of five, Lillard faced significant health challenges throughout her life, ultimately becoming the last known American to depend on this life-sustaining machine.
Polio, once a widespread and feared disease, left Lillard paralyzed from the neck down, necessitating the use of an iron lung primarily during her sleep. Despite her condition, she displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Her younger sister, Cindy McVey, shared with The Associated Press that doctors had initially predicted Lillard would not survive past her twenties. “She had the enthusiasm and the drive to continue living and make the best of her life,” McVey recalled.
Throughout her childhood, Lillard managed to attend school for two hours each day, supplemented by tutoring at home. She utilized an intercom phone system that allowed her to engage with teachers and classmates remotely, demonstrating her commitment to education despite her physical limitations. Family vacations were also possible, thanks to a custom trailer designed to accommodate her iron lung, along with her father’s careful planning to ensure accessible accommodations.
The iron lung, a type of negative-pressure ventilator, was crucial for patients like Lillard, who suffered from paralyzed lung muscles. Polio outbreaks in the early to mid-20th century led to thousands of cases of paralysis in children each year, but the introduction of the polio vaccine in 1955 significantly reduced the incidence of the disease. By 1979, polio was declared eliminated in the United States.
As Lillard grew older, she experienced a remarkable recovery, regaining some use of her left arm and legs through dedicated therapy. She even drove for a period, showcasing her independence and determination. Earlier this year, Lillard married a man from Egypt with whom she had corresponded for two decades after he obtained a visa. McVey described their relationship as one of true soulmates, adding that her sister’s husband is “extremely brokenhearted” by her passing.
In addition to her personal achievements, Lillard was known for her creative pursuits, including writing poetry and volunteering with the Humane Society. However, her health took a turn following her two bouts with COVID-19 during the pandemic, which left her increasingly dependent on the iron lung. Before her diagnosis with COVID, she had only 25% lung capacity.
According to her death certificate, Lillard died from chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome, conditions exacerbated by the long-term effects of COVID-19. Her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of polio and the challenges faced by those who survived it.
As the last American to use an iron lung, Martha Lillard’s life story is a testament to resilience and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Her legacy will continue to inspire many who face similar challenges.
Reporting contributed by The Associated Press.