Martha Lillard, Last U.S. Polio Patient Using Iron Lung, Passes Away at 78

Martha Lillard, who relied on an iron lung for most of her life after being diagnosed with polio at age five, died on June 26 in Oklahoma at the age of 78. Her sister, Cindy McVey, confirmed that Lillard was the last known U.S. polio patient to use the machine. The death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as contributing factors, with McVey attributing her sister's death to the effects of long-haul COVID-19.

Lillard lived a remarkable life despite her challenges, attending school with the help of a phone system and traveling with her family in a custom trailer. She regained partial use of her left arm and maintained independence for many years. Lillard married Baha Salh in February after a long-distance relationship that began online. In her later years, she faced significant health issues, spending nearly all her time in the iron lung. Lillard was also known for her artistic talents and her dedication to animal rescue.