Martha Lillard, the last known US polio survivor who relied on an iron lung, passed away on June 26, 2026 in Oklahoma. Lillard, who contracted polio at age five, spent most of her life in a cylindrical metal device that assisted her breathing. Her family confirmed her death through an online obituary.
Martha Lillard's Life with Polio
Lillard's journey with polio began at the young age of five, leading to her dependence on an iron lung, a machine that encloses the body and uses changing air pressure to facilitate breathing. Despite her condition, she attended grade school for two hours daily, completing her education through tutoring. Her sister, Cindy McVey, shared that doctors initially predicted she would not live past 20 years old, highlighting Lillard's remarkable resilience.
“She had the enthusiasm and the drive to continue living and make the best of her life,” McVey recalled. This determination allowed Lillard to experience life beyond her medical limitations, including traveling in a custom trailer designed to accommodate her iron lung.
Impact of Long-Term Illness
Lillard's family believes the long-term effects of Covid-19 contributed to her death. The death certificate lists chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as the causes. Lillard's case illustrates the lasting impact of polio, which can lead to complications many years after initial infection.
In a 2013 interview with NBC News, Lillard described her experience with the iron lung, saying, “It feels wonderful, actually, if you’re not breathing well. It makes all the difference when you’re not breathing.” Her words reflect the reliance and comfort provided by the iron lung throughout her life.
The Legacy of Iron Lungs and Polio Survivors
Before the widespread availability of vaccines, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the United States, causing thousands of cases of paralysis annually. Iron lungs were a critical tool during polio epidemics, saving many lives, although they were originally intended for short-term use.
With the advent of vaccination campaigns in the late 1950s, the number of polio cases dramatically decreased, leading to the elimination of polio in the US by 1979. Lillard's death follows that of another prominent polio survivor, Paul Alexander, who passed away at age 78 just two years prior. Alexander, known for his artistic talents and struggle with the disease, became an inspirational figure.
- Age at death: 78
- Date of death: June 26, 2026
- Location: Oklahoma
- Initial polio diagnosis: Age 5
- Previous notable survivor: Paul Alexander
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Health. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
