(if they even knew what an iron lung was) this past decade-- Martha Lillard now being the last.

There was a documentary about one about 15-20 years ago--a male--that was titled "Breathe" (as I recall). It was never widely released and before streaming services, so it never got more than just a mention at the Oscars and not much more--obviously not widely released.

RIP, Ms. Lillard. Your life was full of challenge, but I do hope it was rewarding as possible.

"Free at last, free at last! Thank Almighty God, I'm free at last!"

Link to tweet

Considering everyone is dead

Had polio in 1957. I was 15 months old. Wore a leg brace up to my thigh thru 6th grade. I have a leg length discrepancy of 1.25inches. Drop foot on other leg. About 7 ortho surgeries at Shriner's Hospital in Shreveport. Spent the 5th grade 9 months and again in 7th grade in the hospital. Retired in 2021 after 37 years as an RN. Worked in the US, UK and Ireland. I lift weights 2 times per week and walk 2 miles 4 times a week. I feel extremely lucky!!

My Mom spent months at a time in Shriners too, but way b4 your time, in the 20's. No1 ever said she had polio. At that time is was almost a disgrace. She herself wld get angry if any1 asked if she had polio. They called it "spastic paralysis." They did 16 surgeries on her legs to cut tendons that were shrinking, so her legs wld hang straight and she cld walk on crutches. Her legs were covered with scars and remained paralyzed the rest of her life. She also lived to 78, the cause of her death was ongoing ulcers on her legs, eventually led to sepsis. Basically, her legs died. The sad part is later in her life a doctor told her she may hv regained some use of her legs if they had not cut all the tendons.

"lucky" ones.

Fuck that wormbrained asshole