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




Friday, March 11, 2011

Happy 25th Birthday Lance Harrison!

As I mentioned before, March is full of birthday for our family. Today, Lance celebrated his 25th.

I remember sitting in the waiting room during one of Lance's surgeries in early December and thinking about how much he was looking forward to his quarter of a century birthday. Even though he didn't celebrate it like he usually would have, He is here. and He will celebrate again.

We had a busy day today, with physical and occupational therapy visits this morning. My aunt Christa came with lunch and cheesecake. Ben stopped by on his lunch break. Home health nurse was here this afternoon. Tom Cox came by, followed by Jasper who is in for spring break. However, the most exciting part of our day was when Shauna came by for second shift therapy.

We stood Lance up!!!


Shauna set Lance up on the side of the bed with this feet on the floor. After Dad, Gena and I were in place behind him and on both sides, Shauna wrapped her arms around Lance and lifted him straight up in a standing position. We did this three times. The first time, he leaned a little to the right. The second time, Shauna told him to try to stand up... and after a couple of seconds, he did. I could feel his leg tightening, trying to make himself stand taller. and I was on his left side, where most of the damage occurred. On the third time, he stood for two whole minutes. Dad was behind him and could feel him moving his hips forward to get his back in alignment. During this time, his left heel was on the floor. Gena was on the other side, that heel was on the floor as well. She asked him four times to stand up, and four times, he did.
This is the first time in 103 days that Lance has been on his feet!
Dad, Gena, Shauna and I were all crying. I think our home health nurse had some tears in her eyes. and Peyton was at the door, taking pictures.
It was the best birthday ever.

Today is also Kim Lykins' birthday. She has doubled Lance's age. and now I'm very concerned she will never make me zucchini bread again since I announced her age on the world wide web. Happy Birthday Kim!

hope everyone has safe travels. I hear there is snow on the way.
Goodnight. and God Bless.
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    Oh what joy !!! To see Lance stand would have made you cry with happiness. God is still in charge. To read your post has made my sleepless night worthwhile. Hugs and blessings for each of you.

    Gina I

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  2. CindyMarch 11, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    This old physical therapist is crying for joy, too! Wonderful news! Thanks for allowing me to "watch" Lance's birthday celebration!
    Cindy McArtor

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  3. MarilynMarch 11, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Happy tears! Happy tears!!
    What an amazing way to start the day!

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  4. ConstanceMarch 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    Wonderful, wonderful news! Everytime I notice my "live the lion" bracelet I send up a quick prayer for Lance and your family. I hope it's ok to share this great news with a couple of doctors here at UK. I know they will want to know about Lance's latest achievement.

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  5. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I remember the first time that Shannon's feet were on the floor after several weeks in a hospital bed, and the first steps she took a week or so later. These events are incredible, emotional, and uplifting to everyone. We are rejoicing with you.

    Holly and I enjoyed our brief visit with Lance wednesday evening, and again want to wish him many more Happy Birthdays. Praying for all of you everyday. Ted

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  6. karenMarch 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    What a wonderful way to celebrate his birthday!! one of the best gifts I am sure he and you all could have received!! There are many more gifts to come because each step however small or large is a great gift indeed. I am so happy for Lance and all of you reading the blog made me feel like I was just right there watching tears and all!!
    Oh I am sure Kim will make you zucchini bread again! especially when you tell her how young she looks! Kims a great person! Heres wishing for more special gifts soon for lance and you all. as always you all are in our thoughts and prayers! Karen Killen

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  7. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    That is so wonderful. It is so wonderful to hear that Lance is doing much better.

    I'm sure Kim will still make you zucchini bread.

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  8. puddin33341179March 12, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Praise God! That's all I can say. The miracles keep coming, praise God. Glenda

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