Hours each day in an iron lung kept her breathing, her will to live kept her alive

Martha Lillard: Living with an Iron Lung for 73 Years

Hours each day in an iron - Martha Lillard, the last known polio survivor in the U.S. to rely on an iron lung, spent hours each day in the machine as a lifeline for her breathing. Her younger sister, Cindy McVey, recounted how Martha often refused to be photographed in the device, valuing her dignity above the machine’s presence. Yet, despite the long hours in an iron lung, Martha’s unbreakable spirit kept her alive, shaping a life filled with resilience and determination.

The Iron Lung and the Battle Against Polio

For over seven decades, the iron lung was central to Martha’s existence. This mechanical apparatus, which uses negative pressure to assist respiration, became a symbol of both her struggle and her courage. “It recharged her and made her feel better,” said McVey, reflecting on how the machine supported Martha’s daily life. Even as a child, Martha’s determination was evident, as she recognized her polio diagnosis early due to the constant discussions about the disease around her.

“Martha was resilient—she would find a way, or make do,” Cindy McVey said. “She never let the hours in an iron lung dim her will to live.”

Independence and Innovation

Martha’s family played a pivotal role in enabling her to lead a more autonomous life. Her uncle and grandfather designed a custom mechanism to allow her to open and close the iron lung independently, a small but significant breakthrough. This innovation permitted her to drive a modified car, with the steering wheel adjusted to her lap and turn signals placed for easy access. Martha also found joy in painting detailed landscapes and engaging with her Alexa device, demonstrating her adaptability and intellectual curiosity despite the hours in an iron lung.

Her later years were enriched by a 20-year partnership with Baha Salh, whom she married in February after he relocated to the U.S. from Egypt this year. Martha passed away at the age of 78 in late June, with her sister confirming the cause of death as post-polio syndrome and chronic pulmonary failure. McVey, however, believes that long Covid-19 may have contributed to her final decline, highlighting the ongoing challenges of living with the iron lung in modern times.

A Legacy of Endurance and Hope

The iron lung, once a common sight in hospitals, became a defining feature of polio treatment during its peak in the 1950s. Tens of thousands of patients relied on the device to breathe, including Martha, who spent hours each day within its confines. The machine’s operation—using a motor-driven bellows to create suction and expand the lungs—was crucial in saving lives, though its use dwindled with the advent of the polio vaccine in 1955.

By 1979, the U.S. declared polio eliminated thanks to widespread immunization, yet Martha’s story remains a powerful reminder of the disease’s impact. Her ability to thrive despite the hours in an iron lung underscores the importance of medical advancements and personal perseverance. McVey emphasized how Martha’s life exemplifies the strength of individuals who face adversity with unwavering resolve.

Modern Challenges and the Iron Lung’s Relevance

Though polio is now rare in the U.S., the iron lung still holds relevance in discussions about medical innovation and its evolution. Kirk Milhoan, chair of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, noted earlier this year that vaccine hesitancy has led some to question the necessity of polio immunization. “We are in a different time now than we were then,” he stated, highlighting the changing perception of disease risks and medical interventions.

McVey expressed concern over this shift, stressing that polio remains a devastating illness. “It disfigures, disables, and leaves people struggling,” she said, underscoring the significance of Martha’s 73 years in an iron lung. Her story not only honors her personal journey but also serves as a reminder of the progress made in medical science and the ongoing need for vigilance in public health efforts.