Martha Lillard, last known US polio survivor using iron lung, dies aged 78


Martha Lillard, a 78-year-old Oklahoma woman, died after using an iron lung to breathe due to COVID-19 complications.
Reported by 2 outlets — The Guardian US, Fox News Latest. See all sources ↓
Martha Lillard had polio as a child and used an iron lung to breathe. She got COVID-19 twice and used the iron lung almost 24 hours a day. She died at 78 years old.
Why it matters
Martha Lillard was the last American to use an iron lung to live, and her death highlights the challenges of living with a rare disease like polio.
- What was Martha Lillard's condition?
- Martha Lillard had polio as a child.
- How did she breathe?
- She used an iron lung to help her breathe.
- What happened to her after getting COVID-19?
- She got COVID-19 twice and used the iron lung almost 24 hours a day.
How outlets are framing the same story
These are the main editorial angles found across reporting. Use them to quickly compare what different outlets emphasize, omit, or question.
The outlets frame the story differently in terms of the level of detail and the focus on Martha Lillard's personal experience. Fox News focuses on her age and the fact that she was the last American to use an iron lung, while The Guardian provides more background information on polio and its effects.
- Coverage cardFraming signal1AngleScouting report
Focus on Martha Lillard's personal experience and the challenges of living with a rare disease like polio.
Sources2TypeAngleFox News LatestEmphasizes her age and the rarity of her condition
The Guardian USProvides more background information on polio and its effects