Martha Lillard contracted polio in 1953 at the age of five, just two years before the vaccine was introduced in the U.S. The disease left her with a paralyzed right arm, scoliosis, and only 25% lung capacity. While other survivors transitioned to modern ventilators, Lillard found them ineffective for her breathing needs and relied on her 1940's-era iron lung for decades. Eventually, she required it 24 hours a day. In her later years, the obsolete machine began to break down. Her family struggled to find replacement parts or anyone qualified to service and repair the decades-old mechanical ventilator. Lillard had survived contracting COVID-19 twice, but ultimately developed long COVID, which was officially cited as her cause of death. Despite her severe physical limitations, she lived as normally as possible—painting, writing poetry, and composing music for the left-hand piano. She was also known for her extensive efforts in rescuing abandoned animals. Do you find this kind of strength in the face of incredibly devastating circumstances to be admirable?

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system and can cause permanent paralysis within hours. About 5% of cases show mild symptoms like fever and fatigue, lasting a few days. In less than 1% of infections, the virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to serious issues like paralysis and, in some cases, can be fatal if it affects breathing muscles. The virus spreads through contaminated food, water, or unwashed hands and sometimes through respiratory droplets. The only way to prevent polio is through vaccination, primarily using Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in the U. S. and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) worldwide. Have you ever known someone who contracted polio?