A woman from Oklahoma who spent over seven decades reliant on an iron lung has died at the age of 78, marking the end of an era in the history of polio treatment. Martha Lillard, who contracted polio as a young child, became one of the last known individuals in the United States to use the historic respiratory device.

Life After Childhood Polio

Martha Lillard's life was profoundly affected when she was diagnosed with poliomyelitis just days after her fifth birthday in 1953. The acute viral infection led to severe paralysis, including the muscles necessary for breathing. At that time, the iron lung, a negative-pressure ventilator weighing up to 600 kilograms, was the primary method to assist individuals whose respiratory function was compromised by polio.

Though medical advances have since rendered the iron lung largely obsolete, Lillard continued to use the device for the majority of her life. She described the machine as the most effective and comfortable means for her to breathe. While modern ventilators are now standard, Lillard had adapted to the iron lung's unique operation and never transitioned to newer alternatives.

Daily Life and Independence

Despite her physical limitations, Lillard maintained a significant degree of independence. She attended school, initially in person and later via telephone-based instruction. Her family adapted their lives to accommodate her needs, enabling her to participate in family outings and even vacations. For trips, the iron lung was transported in a specially outfitted trailer. With the help of therapeutic breathing techniques, Lillard was able to spend limited periods outside the machine, though she relied on it every night.

Lillard eventually lived on her own, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. She managed household tasks and cared for nine dogs, all of which were Beagles and Terriers. Her social interactions extended beyond her local community; she maintained a long-distance friendship with an individual from Egypt for two decades before they eventually married in 2026 after securing a visa to the United States.

Facing Medical and Environmental Challenges

Lillard's dependence on the iron lung made her vulnerable to power outages and equipment failures. She survived multiple critical incidents, including severe weather events such as ice storms and tornadoes that disrupted electricity supply. On one occasion, she had to call emergency services during a prolonged blackout when her backup generator failed. She described the experience as extremely distressing, as the machine was vital for her survival.

During a tornado in 2025, a power failure caused her to experience respiratory distress. Her partner provided manual assistance until emergency responders arrived. These events highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by those who are reliant on outdated medical technology with limited access to replacement parts or technical support.

Legacy and Advocacy

Lillard's case brought renewed attention to the dwindling population of iron lung users. Previously, it had been widely reported that Paul Alexander, who died in Dallas in 2024, was the last American dependent on an iron lung. Lillard's continued use of the device corrected this misconception.

In her final years, Lillard faced additional health challenges, contracting COVID-19 twice, which further compromised her respiratory function. Despite these setbacks, she remained engaged in creative activities and community service, including writing poetry and supporting animal welfare initiatives. She was proactive in seeking out spare parts and technical assistance for her iron lung, aware that the resources for maintaining such legacy equipment were becoming increasingly scarce.

Lillard passed away on June 26 in Oklahoma. Her life stands as a testament to the lasting impact of polio and the unique challenges faced by those reliant on historic medical devices in a rapidly advancing healthcare landscape.