Live the Lion was created in an attempt to keep everyone up to date on Lance O'Cull and his road to recovery.

Lance was involved in a car accident near Morehead, Kentucky about 30 miles from where we grew up Thanksgiving weekend of 2010. He was airlifted from the scene of the accident to UK Medical Center in Lexington. The doctors told us that they could fix everything below the neck, but his brain was in God's hands. On December 22, after multiple surgeries, Lance was transferred to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia for an intense rehabilitation program.

It was there that Lance began to gradually emerge from a coma. Lance was discharged to home, in Vanceburg on February 17th, to continue his therapy with family.

On March 10th, Lance's 25th birthday, he stood on his feet for the first time in 103 days, with lots of help. On May 11th, Lance was accepted into Cardinal Hill's brain injury unit. There he impressed and amazed our family and friends, as well as his therapists through the progress he made everyday.

Between September 2011 and April of 2012, Lance was back and forth between Cardinal Hill's inpatient program and Shepherd Center's inpatient and outpatient program. He has had a couple minor surgeries to enhance his healing and a baclofen pump inserted to help with the tone in his body.

For the past year, Lance is back in Lewis County splitting his time with both parents. He continues to travel to Ashland 3 times a week and Lexington once a week. He is learning to walk again and we couldn't be more thrilled.

It hasn't been easy, Lance has had some setbacks and tears still fall. But he is up and running this marathon. And we are all running right along beside him.

Most of the blog entries have been made by myself, Chelcee, the big sister, Brock, our baby brother, and Dr. Johnny, our dad. Our goal is for Lance to finish this blog as soon as he is able.

God has been with Lance and our entire family, giving us strength. We give Him the Glory. He is the God of Miracles.



~Chelcee




Sunday, December 19, 2010

Community Prayer Service

There was an outpouring of love and prayer this evening in Vanceburg for Lance and his family.  Tonight, there were 101 people who came out to show support for Lance!  The evening started with a  prayer led by Bryan Wright.  Following that, it was only fitting to include in the service one of Lance's greatest loves...MUSIC!  Following the music, we once again prayed with Lance's family on hand at the alter, led by Courtnae Spear.   This was so wonderful.  There is no doubt that God was present through this.    We were able to get  an update on Lance's progress thus far after talking with Chelcee.  Those who came were very generous with a love offering for the family.  Finally, the service ended with a congregational singing of "Silent Night" while holding hands, followed by a beautiful closing prayer led by Kevin Cornette.  Lance's grandfather ended the service with beautiful words of appreciation and love.    As you can tell, there was a lot praying going on!  Some two hours away in Lexington, the O'Cull family were also in prayer at 7:00 with Lance.  We know that there were  churches who had holiday programs scheduled this evening, who actually incorporated the 7:00 prayer time into their program.  The 7:00 prayer extended well beyond the bluegrass state as we have been told of several churches in Oklahoma and Texas were also in prayer!  How awesome is that? 
On a side note, Becky Sullivan did arrive wearing her UK blue Santa shirt.  She said she knew making Lance mad enough would get him awake.  We all know he will be shouting out  the real KY colors, RED and BLACK upon his awakening. 

We cannot thank everyone enough for coming out this evening.   We hope that each of you  continues the 7:00 prayer time for Lance.  GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!  ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD! 

In difficult times like this we are often reminded of a song by Mercy Me, "Bring the Rain".  Sometimes people wonder how you can continue to worship even in hard times........ but as the song says, "If that's what it takes to praise You......JESUS BRING THE RAIN!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

Leslie and Lori
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