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, February 27, 2011

Saturday Night

It seems like weeks since we traveled home from Shepherd Center, even though it was only 10 days ago.  It has been a long week filled with long nights and clocks ticking off seconds slowly.  Being back in the Chandler Medical Center, here at UK, stirs up memories of good friends and frightful days for Lance.  We have been here since Tuesday.  The original diagnosis that brought us here was an intestinal obstruction; that seems to have resolved non-surgically.  The next few days will tell if digestive system will awaken after having no nutrition into the stomach for 6 days.  Lance has congestion in his lungs; it presents like pneumonia but is not resolving quickly.  Testing continues as the medical staff wants to find out what is going on in his system.  Lance does not feel well and is not  interacting with us as he was last week.  That disappoints but as we try to avoid discouragement, we will pray and trust God.  As you worship tomorrow, as you slow down and prepare to start a new work week, thanks for praying for Lance.

-John
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5 comments:

  1. Lisette ClarkFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Praying and continuing to pray!!!!!!!!!!! God will come through he always does in his time in his way!!!!!!! Keep FAITH!!!!!!! Love and prayers to all of you!!!!

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Deuteronomy 31:8
    The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

    John and family, we are standing with you in prayer as we have walked the road you are traveling now. Keep holding on to the Lord, do not let go. We had days that we wondered but then the Holy Spirit would come and visit and convinced us He was there. If you had not done so, pick a soft worship cd and play it softly even thru the night. I am so sorry you have to go thru this and yes, I can say I know what you are going thru. I want you to know that there is family (parents, brother, grandparents, wife) in Atlanta that are holding you up in prayer. Brother, I wish I could tell you, wake up! you are having a nightmare! But is not and we are with you. If you need to another father that has been there feel free to call my husband Hector anytime, a n y t i m e. Praise Him in the Storm.
    Loida Diaz
    (I sign my name because I do not know how to post, so I do it Anonymous, but it is not)

    ReplyDelete
  3. MarilynFebruary 27, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Dear Lance and family,
    I am sorry to hear of your setback and will continue praying for you. I am going to church this morning and will request that we say a special prayer for Lance.As our pastor says, God will do the right thing and we must trust Him to do so.
    James 5:11 says, "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."

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  4. Anita MuckelroyFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    John and family: I am heartbroken that Lance has had this setback, but still trust that God will keep him in his arms, just as he holds you and your family. Remember the old Kirk Talley song..."If He hung the moon, I know he can help you."

    We love you and lift you up in prayer, as well as Lance. I know this must be taking a tremendous toll on all of you.

    Don't give up.

    With love and friendship,
    Anita

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  5. karenMarch 3, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Hard as it is to understand every thing happens for a reason, I can only imagine the distress this recent problem has caused for you all. When the storm seems bigger then you just remember this too will pass, and sometimes out of storms rainbows prevail! Here's hoping you have your rainbow very very soon! as always my thoughts and prayers to Lance and you all. Karen Killen

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