# Last Iron Lung User Martha Lillard Dies | Perth News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perth-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7574199/last-iron-lung-user-martha-lillard-dies-perth-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perth-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7574199/last-iron-lung-user-martha-lillard-dies-perth-news.md
Podcast: [Perth News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/perth-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7574199)
Published: 2026-07-12T21:23:58+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/8025174f1e99e180
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/62bb7d82-8dec-4291-ba59-ba3c374e483f.mp3
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Duration seconds: 107

## Resource

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: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8025174f1e99e180

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