Iron Lung’s Last American Dies at 78

Martha Lillard, a lifelong resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and the last known American to use an iron lung, died on June 26 at the age of 78. Her passing marks the end of an era for those who relied on the iconic, albeit archaic, medical device. Lillard contracted polio in 1953, just two years before the Salk polio vaccine became widely available, leaving her paralyzed and with only 25% lung capacity. Despite the availability of modern ventilators, Lillard expressed a preference for the iron lung, finding it more comfortable and a life-saving constant.

A Life Defined by Resilience and the Iron Lung

Polio’s Devastating Impact and a Unique Lifeline

Martha Ann Lillard was born on June 8, 1948, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her life took a dramatic turn on her fifth birthday in 1953 when she woke with a severe sore throat and neck pain, symptoms that soon led to a polio diagnosis. The disease left her paralyzed and unable to breathe independently, necessitating her placement in an iron lung. This device, a negative pressure ventilator, essentially breathes for the user by expanding and contracting a chamber around their chest. For six months, Lillard was in the hospital, relying on the iron lung to survive. While polio was largely eradicated in the United States by 1979, Lillard continued to use the iron lung, eventually sleeping in it nightly for nearly 73 years.

Adapting to Life with an Iron Lung

Lillard’s reliance on the iron lung shaped her daily existence. As a child, she spent nearly all her time in the chamber and could only attend school for an hour a day. Despite her physical limitations, including scoliosis and a paralyzed right arm, she pursued a normal life. She attended Jefferson Grade School for an hour daily and was homeschooled for much of her childhood. Lillard even attended Shawnee High School via a school-to-home phone connection and became a member of the National Honor Society.

Comfort and Challenges of an Enduring Device

Lillard often spoke about her unique relationship with the iron lung. She stated that she preferred it for comfort, describing the sensation of breathing within it as feeling “wonderful.” She also emphasized that her continued use was not a choice of preference over necessity, but rather a reliance on the device that saved her life. However, maintaining the iron lung presented significant challenges. By the 1990s, the machine began to break down, requiring Lillard to seek replacements. A particularly harrowing experience occurred during an ice storm when her generator failed, leaving her trapped in the iron lung without power, a situation she described as “like being buried alive.”

Later Life and Final Battle

In her later years, Lillard spent most of her time in the iron lung due to health changes related to her polio. She also became the last known person in the United States to use an iron lung after the passing of Paul Alexander in March 2024. Tragically, Lillard succumbed to complications from long-haul COVID-19.

A Life of Community and Creativity

Beyond her medical challenges, Lillard was an active and creative member of her community. She volunteered at the Pottawatomie County Humane Society, a local daycare center, and a crisis phone line in Shawnee. Her creative pursuits included painting, writing poetry, and composing music for the left-handed piano, a testament to her resilience and spirit. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help cover her funeral and probate expenses, highlighting the support she garnered from her community.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Who was Martha Lillard?

Martha Lillard was the last known American to rely on an iron lung, a mechanical ventilator used to help polio patients breathe. She lived in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and passed away at age 78 on June 26, 2026.

How long did Martha Lillard use an iron lung?

Martha Lillard began using an iron lung after contracting polio in 1953 at the age of five. She relied on it for breathing for nearly 73 years, sleeping in it nightly for most of her adult life.

What caused Martha Lillard’s death?

Martha Lillard died from complications related to long-haul COVID-19.

Why did Martha Lillard continue to use an iron lung?

Lillard preferred the iron lung for comfort and considered it essential for her survival. Despite the availability of modern ventilators, she found the iron lung to be the most comfortable and reliable option for her breathing needs.

What were the challenges of using an iron lung?

Challenges included the machine breaking down, requiring constant maintenance and seeking replacement parts. Power outages also posed a severe risk, as demonstrated during an ice storm when her generator failed, leaving her trapped and unable to breathe properly.