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




Thursday, December 23, 2010

Our first day at Shepherd was busy--getting used to the building, meeting doctors, nurses, techs, practically the whole staff has welcomed us into the family.  We're trying to get used to the new environment.  Lance was up all day and did well on the six-ish hour trip from Lexington. After getting settled in and properly introducing himself to the new people poking him, he's pretty tuckered out and is sleeping peacefully.
This place is crazy.  The people are super friendly.  We've got plenty to do and plenty of strength to be given to do it.  Recovery--not just Lance, but for the whole family--depends on attitude, disposition, and forward thinking.  Cookies don't hurt either.  I'm looking forward to finding out more about this facility and its occupants, which is coming soon.

As always, all the love, prayer, positive energy is incalculably appreciated.

Also, we listened to a little Al Green on the way down today.  It's Lance's cd. Somehow, it found its way into my case.  He's got a funky toe or two.
brock
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2 comments:

  1. MarilynDecember 23, 2010 at 8:40 AM

    Sounds so positive for Lance. I am so thankful for your safe trip and will continue prayers for all. Keep up the good bloggin' and God bless.
    I love Al Green!

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  2. AnitaDecember 23, 2010 at 5:49 PM

    As they say, "There are no coincidences in life, just gifts from God" so the CD being in your case was God's gift to you guys. Sounds like Lance is going to get great treatment at Shepherds and he is where he needs to be right now. Thoughts and prayers continue with all of you. Merry Christmas.

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