🔥 Trending Martha Lillard, Last American Polio Survivor in Iron Lung, Dies at 78

Martha Lillard was an American polio survivor who became widely known as the last person in the United States to rely on an iron lung for respiration following the death of Paul Alexander ¹⁷. She passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 78 ¹²⁶.

Early Life and Polio Diagnosis

Born on June 8, 1948, Martha Ann Lillard was a lifelong resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma ¹⁶. She contracted polio at the age of five, shortly after her birthday ⁸. The disease left her with severe respiratory paralysis, necessitating the use of an iron lung for the majority of her life ²⁸. After several months in the hospital, she was permanently connected to the device ⁸.

Life with an Iron Lung

Lillard spent over 65 years using an iron lung, a negative pressure ventilator that facilitates breathing by creating a vacuum around the body ⁸. Despite advancements in medical technology, she consistently refused to switch to more modern respiratory systems, insisting that the iron lung was the most comfortable and effective option for her ⁴. She was known for her resilience and her ability to live a full life despite her condition, even inviting news reporters into her home to share her story and advocate for support for her unique medical needs ⁵.

Legacy

Following the death of Paul Alexander in March 2024, Martha Lillard became the last known individual in the U.S. to use an iron lung ¹⁷. Her passing marked the end of an era, highlighting the long-term impact of polio and the dedicated individuals who lived with its severe consequences. She died of long-haul COVID-19 ⁶.