Martha Lillard, believed to be the last known person in the United States to rely on an iron lung after surviving polio, has died at the age of 78. Her sister said Lillard died on June 26 in Oklahoma after living for decades with complications related to polio and chronic respiratory illness.
Lillard’s life reflected both the devastating impact of polio before widespread vaccination and the resilience of many survivors who adapted to significant physical challenges over the course of their lives.
Passing
According to her sister, Cindy McVey, Lillard died on June 26 in Oklahoma.
McVey told The Associated Press that doctors had once predicted Lillard would not live beyond the age of 20, but she far exceeded those expectations.
A death certificate listed chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as causes of death. McVey also said she believed long-haul COVID-19 contributed to her sister’s declining health.
Polio
Lillard contracted polio shortly after turning 5 years old, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down.
She depended on an iron lung, a mechanical ventilator that uses changes in air pressure to help patients breathe, throughout much of her life.
Although she regained limited movement in her left arm and legs through therapy, she continued to rely on respiratory support for decades.
Life
Despite her physical limitations, Lillard remained active and independent for many years.
As a child, she attended grade school for part of the day and completed the remainder of her education through tutoring. Later, she attended Shawnee High School using a telephone-based intercom system that allowed her to participate in classes remotely.
Her family adapted everyday life to accommodate the iron lung, including taking road trips with a specially designed trailer capable of transporting the machine.
| Martha Lillard at a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Martha Lillard |
| Age | 78 |
| Residence | Oklahoma |
| Diagnosed With Polio | At age 5 |
| Respiratory Support | Iron lung |
| Date of Death | June 26 |
Marriage
The internet played an important role in Lillard’s later years.
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, she joined online discussions seeking to better understand world events. During that time, she met Baha Salh, a man from Egypt.
The two maintained an online relationship for more than two decades before marrying in February after Salh obtained a visa to travel to Oklahoma.
According to McVey, the couple shared a close bond after years of long-distance communication.
Legacy
Lillard was known for her artistic interests, including writing poetry and composing songs.
She also volunteered with animal rescue efforts and supported Humane Society activities. In an obituary she wrote herself, she described her love of beagles and her work helping rescue organizations by sharing information online.
During the final years of her life, her respiratory condition worsened, and she reportedly spent nearly all of her time inside the iron lung.
History
Polio was once among the most feared infectious diseases in the United States, causing thousands of cases of paralysis each year, particularly among children.
The introduction of effective vaccines beginning in 1955 dramatically reduced infections. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine transmission of polio was eliminated in the United States in 1979 through widespread vaccination.
Lillard’s life spanned nearly the entire modern history of polio treatment in America, from the era of iron lungs to the elimination of routine domestic transmission through vaccination.
Her story highlights both the long-term effects experienced by some polio survivors and the medical advances that have made similar cases increasingly rare. Family members remembered her for her determination, creativity, and ability to build a full life despite decades of physical challenges.
FAQs
Who was Martha Lillard?
She was believed to be the last U.S. iron lung user.
How old was Martha Lillard?
She was 78 years old.
When did she contract polio?
She was diagnosed at age 5.
What is an iron lung?
A machine that helps patients breathe using air pressure.
When was polio eliminated in the U.S.?
Routine transmission ended in 1979.
