Martha Lillard, the last American to use an iron lung, has died at seventy-eight. She contracted polio as a child, which necessitated lifelong breathing assistance. Lillard pursued education and lived independently despite severe physical limitations. Her health declined significantly after contracting COVID-19 twice during the pandemic. Her life highlights polio's impact and the importance of vaccinations.

Martha Lillard, the last U.S. polio patient using an iron lung, has died at 78 in Oklahoma

Martha Ann Lillard, 78, died on June 26 having spent more than seventy years relying on the device.

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The coronavirus pandemic took a severe toll on Lillard’s already compromised health