Martha Ann Lillard was the last person in the United States to rely on an iron lung, a negative pressure respirator, after contracting polio for her fifth birthday the year before the polio vaccine was released. Since Covid, she had to use the iron lung full time, and the costs of supplies and medicine gradually depleted her savings. Now, her family faces unexpected probate and funeral expenses, and your support will help them honor Martha Ann’s legacy and provide her with the dignity she deserves.

Despite living with only 25% lung capacity, scoliosis, and a paralyzed right arm, Martha Ann spent her life as normally as possible. She was incredibly creative, painting, writing poems, and composing music for the left hand piano. Even as post-polio syndrome continued to affect her, she maintained a wonderful fighting attitude, making the most of what she had left and enjoying life as much as she could. Martha Ann also saved people and abandoned animals, especially dogs, all over the U.S., showing her compassion and resilience every day.

Your support will help cover Martha Ann’s funeral and probate costs, providing relief to her family and honoring her memory. Thank you for supporting Martha Ann’s legacy and helping her family during this difficult time.