Martha Lillard, last US polio patient using iron lung, dies at 78 in Oklahoma

Martha Lillard, Final U.S. Polio Patient on Iron Lung, Passes Away at 78 in Oklahoma

Martha Lillard last US polio patient - At the age of five, Martha Lillard was diagnosed with polio, a condition that left her reliant on an iron lung to breathe. Her passing on June 26 marked the end of an era, as she became the last American polio survivor known to use the life-support device, according to her sister, Cindy McVey. The 78-year-old’s death was attributed to chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome, though McVey suggested the prolonged effects of COVID-19 played a role.

A Life in the Iron Lung

For years, Lillard’s existence was intertwined with the iron lung, which she slept in daily. The machine’s air pressure system facilitated her breathing, but her life was shaped by its presence. As a child, she attended school for just two hours a day, with the remainder of her education conducted through tutoring. Later, she enrolled at Shawnee High School, using a phone system to engage with teachers and peers via intercom.

“To me, it was just normal,” McVey, 75, recalled. “She adapted and made the most of her circumstances.”

Her family’s trips to Missouri were made possible by a custom trailer and her father’s efforts to secure accessible hotel doors for the iron lung. For a time, Lillard even managed to drive, a testament to her resilience. Despite paralysis from the neck down, she lived independently for many years, preparing meals and navigating daily challenges with determination.

The Legacy of Polio in America

Polio once struck fear into the hearts of Americans, causing widespread outbreaks and thousands of paralysis cases annually. The disease predominantly targeted children, but vaccines introduced in 1955 began turning the tide. By the 1960s, cases had dropped to fewer than 100 per year, and by the 1970s, under 10. In 1979, the U.S. declared polio eliminated, meaning it was no longer regularly transmitted.

Lillard’s journey with the disease continued into adulthood. Later, the internet became a lifeline, enabling her to explore new interests and connect with others. She found love through online conversations, meeting her future husband in a chat room while he was based in Egypt. Their union, finalized in February, brought her immense joy.

A Final Battle with Long-Haul Effects

During the coronavirus pandemic, Lillard contracted the virus twice, which severely impacted her respiratory function. Before the first infection, her lung capacity was already diminished due to polio. Over the last five years, she struggled to leave her home, relying on the iron lung almost constantly. McVey described the last two years as her sister’s “24-hour companionship” with the machine.

Lillard’s obituary, penned by her own hand, highlighted her artistic spirit and volunteer work with the Humane Society. She was a passionate advocate for Beagles and contributed to animal rescue efforts through Facebook. Her sister later added the date of her death to the document, underscoring the significance of the moment.

Enduring Spirit and Lasting Impact

McVey described Lillard as a creative force, composing songs and writing poetry. Her ability to overcome physical limitations and lead a fulfilling life inspired those around her. In recent years, the family had searched for someone to repair the iron lung, one of several she had throughout her life. Now, with her passing, the device’s role in American medical history has come to a close.