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




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Lion Has Landed

It has been a busy day; it started at Chandler Medical Center after an early morning drive from Vanceburg. Lance's mom had stayed the night with him on his last night in # 879.  Lance rested during the morning hours.  Chelcee and I wheeled him out of the UK hospital at 2:00 PM.  After loading Lance and wheelchair in the van, we made the short trip over to Cardinal Hill.  Lance was very interested in the sights on this beautiful summer-like day as we drove across Waller and past the previous home he shared with Jasper, Spencer, Brandon, and     . (We had an opportunity for short visit with wonderful friends, Billy and Lisa Barbour, before leaving UK.)  

The reception for Lance was friendly, and busy, as multiple staff members entered his room, made introductions, reviewed history, and did their assessments.  It is a relaxed atmosphere, compared to the hospital.  Shauna, Madelyn, and Gena arrived to check out his new digs later in the afternoon.   Lance has an early therapy appointment at 7:00AM; his morning hours will be busy.  We are so grateful to all the fine HCW who have provided Lance's care.  Thank-you for your prayers as you continue to cheer for Lance.  The Lion has Landed - for now, at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

Many haved asked about Shannon Gilbert.  She had a planned surgical procedure last week and all went well.  She had a few challenges over the weekend, but if all went well, she hoped to come home today.

-John
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousMay 11, 2011 at 11:46 PM

    Good to know Lance is at Cardinal. I know they will do good with and for him. Many hugs and prayers for each of you during this new stage. Thanks also for the update on Shannon. Gina

    ReplyDelete

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