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




Monday, December 13, 2010

Monday, December 13th 2010

Hello Everyone...


I came back to Lexington this evening and found my brother with his eyes open!  He, however is still in a coma. The neurosurgeons are not sure of the extent of his brain injuries. There isn't a way to measure thought processes, so we will have to wait until Lance wakes up and tells us. He sometimes opens his eyes, but they don't focus yet. But I'm praying its only a matter of time before that happens. 


He is being seen by physical therapy to work on his range of motion. His right hand is moving continuously. and he moves his right foot a lot, like he is rolling his ankle. He doesn't appear to be in as much pain as he did when I left on Sunday. 


He continues to remain off the vent and breathes well with the trach collar. He is able to cough up his secretions on his own and doesn't have to be suctioned as much. Which means he may be able move out of Trauma ICU and into a progressive care room. 


Please keep him in your prayers. God has great plans for him. 
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5 comments:

  1. MarilynDecember 14, 2010 at 9:42 AM

    With a name like Lance, you know that he is a fighter! I pray for continued progress and healing, strength and rest.
    I so agree with your statement about God's plans for Lance!

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  2. UnknownDecember 14, 2010 at 3:32 PM

    I have just recently opened Sue Jane's letter to me telling about Lance's terrible wreck. I can only imagine what each day must be like for each of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Chelcee for setting up this blog so that I can find out each day about Lance's progress. Love,Martha(cousin in Alabama)

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  3. Dreama Tolle PerryDecember 15, 2010 at 1:59 AM

    Chelcee--This is Dreama Tolle Perry and I am a friend of Jill's. First off, please know I am praying for Lance's full recovery. I live in the area (Paris) and want to help. Please give my cell # to Jill (859) 509-9694. She can text or call for anything...and I mean anything. I am only 30 minutes away and my home is open. All my love and fervent prayers to you and your entire family.

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  4. UnknownDecember 15, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    Chelcee -- thanks for doing this blog. It gets checked a LOT! We're so happy when there is any positive news and I'm sure it cuts down on the phone calls to your mom and dad. It's a long haul, but Lance will get there. We all know it.

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  5. DabneyDecember 15, 2010 at 3:26 PM

    Those of us at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, who worked with Lance for over a year, appreciate this blog as well. We are all concerned and hold Lance and family in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for doing this.

    Dabney Parker

    ReplyDelete

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