Episode
Last Iron Lung User Martha Lillard Dies | Perth News
- Published
- Jul 12, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 107
- Processing state
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- https://sources.thednn.ai/8025174f1e99e180
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Summary
The last known American to rely on an iron lung has passed away at 78 — Martha Lillard, who battled polio as a child and defied doctors’ predictions to live decades longer. Once told she wouldn’t survive past 20, she lived a full, adventurous life, even traveling with her family in a custom trailer. Her death, possibly linked to Covid-19, marks the end of an era — she joins Paul Alexander, another iron lung icon who also died at 78. These survivors, who used the life-saving machines during polio’s terror years, represent a generation shaped by a disease now eradicated thanks to vaccines. Their stories are a powerful reminder of resilience and the triumph of medical progress. 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/8025174f1e99e180