The Oklahoma resident battled polio for decades, relying on the iron lung for survival
Category: Health
Martha Ann Lillard, the last known American to depend on an iron lung, passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 78. Her life story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Lillard, a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, contracted polio at the tender age of five during one of the disease's most devastating outbreaks in the United States. Her battle with polio and dependence on the iron lung spanned over seven decades, marking a unique chapter in the history of medical technology and public health.
Lillard's health struggles began on her fifth birthday in 1953 when she woke up with severe neck pain and an inability to lift her head. This was just before the widespread availability of the polio vaccine, which would eventually help eradicate the disease in the U.S. by 1979. That year, approximately 35,000 Americans were afflicted with polio, and nearly half of them experienced paralysis. Lillard quickly deteriorated, losing consciousness after four days and becoming completely paralyzed. It was at that moment that the iron lung—a large, cylindrical ventilator that creates reduced pressure around the body to aid breathing—saved her life.
Iron lungs were widely used in the mid-20th century to assist polio patients who could no longer breathe independently. The machine employs a process called External Negative Pressure Ventilation, which forces air into the lungs by creating a vacuum effect around the chest. Lillard spent nearly 23 hours a day in the iron lung during her initial recovery, only stepping out for about an hour each day for rehabilitation. After six months in the hospital, she learned to breathe on her own but continued to rely on the iron lung for support, especially during sleep.
Throughout her life, Lillard's relationship with the iron lung was complex. She tried several modern ventilators over the years, but none could provide the necessary respiratory support—21 pounds per square inch pressure—that her body required. "I tried all of them. None of them could get up to 21 pounds, which is what I needed to breathe. So they just weren’t effective," she explained in a 2021 interview. In later years, she used the iron lung primarily at night, allowing her one functional lung to rest.
As Lillard aged, her health began to decline. She developed post-polio syndrome, which is a long-term effect of the poliovirus, and faced numerous health challenges, including two bouts with COVID-19 and shingles. For the last eight months of her life, she required the iron lung for nearly 24 hours a day. Compounding her struggles, the iron lung itself began to break down, with parts dating back to the 1940s becoming increasingly difficult to replace. Her family faced challenges in finding professionals who could repair the aging device.
Lillard's life was not solely defined by her illness. She was an active member of her community, volunteering at local organizations, including the Pottawatomie County Humane Society and a daycare center. Her artistic talents flourished; she painted, wrote poetry, and even composed music for the left hand on the piano. Lillard's husband, Baha Seleh, whom she met online in 2005, moved to Oklahoma to be with her, and they married in February 2026. Up until her health declined, Lillard maintained her independence, preparing her own meals and managing her daily tasks.
In her final years, Lillard faced dire circumstances, including a tornado that cut power to her home and a generator that failed. On one occasion, her husband had to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until help arrived. Her death was a culmination of years of resilience against the odds, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of polio and the importance of vaccination.
Martha Ann Lillard is survived by her husband, her sister, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with her funeral expenses. Lillard's life exemplifies extraordinary strength and creativity, leaving behind a legacy of courage and determination that will not be forgotten.