Martha Lillard, the last polio patient in the US to use an iron lung, has passed away at the age of 78. Her family says she died due to complications from long Covid-19, with her official cause of death listed as post-polio syndrome and chronic pulmonary failure. Lillard spent most of her life in the large metal device, but never let it slow her down.
Lillard was diagnosed with polio in the 1950s and used the iron lung for 73 years to stay alive. Despite her condition, she learned to drive a vehicle, took up painting, and cared for her beloved beagles. Her sister, Cindy McVey, says Lillard was resilient and determined to live life to the fullest.
Polio Survivor
Lillard’s story is a testament to the devastating effects of polio, which wreaked havoc in the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The disease killed and maimed scores of children, with one in 200 infections leading to irreversible paralysis. Lillard was lucky to have survived, but her experience with the iron lung was not unique – tens of thousands of people relied on the device to live during the peak of the polio epidemic.
The iron lung uses a negative pressure system to help patients breathe, and Lillard used it for hours every day. Her family was determined to help her live a normal life, and her uncle and grandfather even created a contraption to open the iron lung so she could live alone. Lillard’s partner, Baha Salh, whom she married in February, was also a source of support and companionship.
Lillard’s story is also a reminder of the importance of vaccination. Polio was declared eliminated in the US in 1979, thanks to a nationwide vaccination campaign. However, with growing vaccine hesitancy in the US, health officials are warning that the disease could make a comeback. Lillard’s sister, Cindy McVey, is worried that memories of polio are too far removed, and that people may not remember how serious the disease can be.
Legacy and Impact
Lillard’s passing is a reminder of the importance of continued vaccination efforts. With vaccine hesitancy on the rise, health officials are warning that diseases like polio could make a comeback. Lillard’s story is a testament to the devastating effects of the disease, and the importance of protecting ourselves and our communities through vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that vaccine hesitancy could lead to a resurgence of diseases like polio. Lillard’s family is hoping that her story will serve as a reminder of the importance of vaccination, and the devastating consequences of not protecting ourselves against diseases like polio.
Lillard’s legacy will live on, a reminder of the importance of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and the critical role that vaccination plays in protecting public health. Her story serves as a broader reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health and taking steps to prevent the spread of diseases like polio.
