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, January 9, 2011

Prayers - Near and Far

I was able to attend the prayer service tonight for Shannon at Fly Branch Church of Christ.  Josh Book made comments and led prayer service after Tim and Billie Thornsberry, and Melissa Reis led the time of praise.  Billie, speaking from  her heart, related empathetically what it was like to be a parent through a time like this.  An offering was collected and then all in attendance held hands in a large prayer circle, which formed a perimeter along the walls of the sanctuary.  Prayers were offered silently and verbally by those in the circle.  Our prayers go up to God for Shannon and all her family, our special friends Ted and Holly, and to those who provide her care.  Chelcee and Lance had prayer at the same time, in the Shepherd Center, for Shannon.

Lance has had a quiet weekend; much activity will occur starting Monday morning with all the therapy teams back to work.  Thanks to all who have followed with interest and for each prayer that has been offered for these two young people.  Ted and I have discussed the news, as we receive it, of prayers offered around the globe on their behalf.  Thank you God for your wonderful Kingdom and for all those who dwell therein.

-John
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3 comments:

  1. DiannaJanuary 9, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Our prayers are with Lance and the family. Also, for Shannon and her family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Lance,John and Jill: I just learned of this blog and wanted to share my excitement about Lance's progress. I only was able to visit Lance a couple of times at the UK Hospital on behalf of Southland Christian Church. However, the last time I saw you,Lance was the Sunday before you were transferred to Atlanta and your uncle had me put my fingers in your right hand and you squeezed them when he told you. I was elated when I left your room and I am so glad you are responding to all your current treatments. I am continuing to pray for you and your family. I hope some day to meet you. Eternally, Lambert Farmer

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anita MuckelroyJanuary 11, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    John, Gena, Jill, and all my friends. I can't tell you how much you have been in my thoughts and prayers. When Sara had her accident, and they whispered in my ear "brain injury" I didn't even know what to pray for. Luckily, her injuries were not nearly as severe. But one morning I heard a doctor tell some students that he could not fathom how or why she was alive. I knew...God had a plan for her. She is now working on her doctorate and was married on December 18th. The same God that healed her can heal Lance...I know He has a plan for him, too. Please know we are thinking of you with love and prayers.

    Anita in Frankfort

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