The Last Iron Lung Patient | Global News

Martha Lillard, the last person in the U.S. to rely on an iron lung, passed away at 78 after a life of extraordinary resilience—spending 73 years with the machine while mastering driving, art, and independence. Her sister reveals she never let the iron lung define her, even building a custom contraption to get in and out on her own. Once a lifeline for thousands during the polio epidemic, the iron lung symbolizes both medical ingenuity and human endurance. Though her death was officially due to post-polio syndrome, her sister suspects long Covid played a role, underscoring how viruses can linger long after infection. Martha’s legacy is a powerful testament to survival, adaptation, and the progress we’ve made in public health. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8000c8d59cea1e3f