MEMPHIS, Tenn. John Kuhn Jersey . -- A woman who spent nearly 60 years of her life in an iron lung after being diagnosed with polio as a child died Wednesday after a power failure shut down the machine that kept her breathing, her family said. Dianne Odell, 61, had been confined to the 7-foot-long machine since she was stricken by polio at 3 years old. Family members were unable to get an emergency generator working for the iron lung after a power failure knocked out electricity to the Odell familys residence near Jackson, about 80 miles northeast of Memphis, brother-in-law Will Beyer said. In a Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2007 file photo, Dianne Odell chats with her mother Geneva Odell via a mirror which is mounted above her iron lung at home in Jackson, Tenn. The family of 61-year-old Dianne Odell said she died early Wednesday, May 27, 2008, after a power failure shut down the machine that kept her breathing and family members were unable to get an emergency generator working. [Agencies] We did everything we could do but we couldnt keep her breathing, said Beyer, who was called to the home shortly after the power failed. Dianne had gotten a lot weaker over the past several months and she just didnt have the strength to keep going. Capt. Jerry Elston of the Madison County Sheriffs Department said emergency crews were called to the scene, but could do little to help. Odell was afflicted with bulbo-spinal polio three years before a polio vaccine was discovered and largely stopped the spread of the crippling childhood disease. She spent her life in the iron lung, cared for by her parents and other family members. Though confined inside the 750-pound apparatus, Odell managed to get a high school diploma, take college courses and write a childrens book. The iron lung that she used was a cylindrical chamber with a seal at the neck. She lay on her back in the device with only her head exposed, and made eye contact with visitors using an angled mirror above her head. The lung worked by producing positive and negative pressure on the lungs that caused them to expand and contract so that she could breathe. Iron lungs were first used to sustain life in 1928, and were largely replaced by positive-pressure airway ventilators in the late 1950s. A spinal deformity from the polio made it impossible for Odell to wear a more modern, portable breathing apparatus, so she continued to use the older machine. It is not known how many polio survivors still use iron lungs, but Odell was believed to have used it for longer than most. Odell was determined to live a full life -- she earned a diploma from Jackson High School as a home-bound student and an honorary degree from Freed-Hardeman College. A voice-activated computer allowed her to write a childrens book, Less Light, about Blinky, a tiny star who dreams of becoming a wishing star. In a 2001 interview with The Associated Press, she said she wanted to show children, especially those with physical disabilities, that they should never give up. Its amazing what you can accomplish if you see someone do the same thing, she said. Replicas Bears Jerseys . [PhotoXinhua] SHANGHAI - Chinese hurdles star Liu Xiang flew to Los Angeles on Monday for a half-month winter training course. Related readings: Olympic failure my lowest point: Liu Liu Xiang wins mens 110m hurdles gold at Asiad Comeback kid Liu slays his demon Hurdler Liu wins redemption The 27-year-old Shanghai native will also receive a physical check-up during his brief stay in the United States. Rey Maualuga Authentic Jersey . Toews hasnt resumed skating after a crushing open-ice hit from Vancouvers Willie Mitchell on Oct. 21. Toews is listed as day-to-day. The progress hasnt been exactly where we wanted it, Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. Todd Heap Jerseys . The Chinese president stressed that all enterprises registered in China enjoy national treatment, adding that foreign businesses are treated equally on government procurement, the protection of intellectual property rights and the accreditation of independent innovation products. Hu also expressed support for Chinese firms investing in the US and the confidence that the Obama administration will provide fair investment environment for Chinese companies. Roy Oswalt Jersey .1 billion pounds (C$1.69 billion) in debt, leaving their control of the club in doubt, the BBC reported Monday. Authentic Donte Whitner Jersey . Related readings: Chinas National Museum reopens after 3-year renovation New face of nations iconic museum Museum casts new light on film scene Chinas National Museum to reopen on April 1 Culture Minister Cai Wu announced the free opening of the museum, which is in Beijings Dongcheng District, Wednesday.TORONTO -- Canadian defender Adrian Cann, named Toronto FCs most valuable player last season, has left the teams pre-season training camp over a contract dispute. The team said the 30-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., had turned down the clubs offer of a new contract and returned to Toronto. Cann, who made 26 appearances last season in his first year with TFC, had asked to renegotiate his deal. "We are disappointed that Adrian has decided to return home at this time," Toronto FC coach and technical director Aron Winter said in a statement Wednesday. "Adrian is heading into the second year of a four-year contract. "Wee are currently in discussions with the league regarding the situation and are assessing the options available to us. Replica Brian Cushing Jersey. ." Cann made US$65,342 last season, 17th best on the team according to figures provided by the players union. Toronto FC left Florida on Wednesday for Charleston, S.C., to take part in the Carolina Challenge Cup. Cann, chosen 16th overall in the 2004 draft by Colorado, has also played for the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps. He spent two years playing in Europe with Danish team Esberg FB and has earned nine caps for Canada. His MVP award last season was voted on by club staff. ' ' '