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, July 21, 2011

Lance has been home for a week now! The first evening, he was able to go outside on the back deck and look at the river. However, since then, its been too hot for him to be outside. He continues to mouth more words each day. Most mornings, he will say "Good Morning." He can say almost everyones name... except mine, of course. If only I had an easy name :(


Lance is traveling to Lexington once a week for Lokomat therapy and to Ashland for outpatient therapy, 2 or 3 times a week. We are so excited to meet all of his new therapists and see what they can do to help Lance in his recovery. One, we know and already love, Leslie Weddington! 
Since the schedule is so hectic, we ask that if you want to come visit Lance, just get a hold of one of us. He needs lots of rest since most of his time is spent on the road. But I think he has enjoyed people visiting him. 


Its been a rough week in Lewis County. I'm asking that you keep both of these families in your prayers. They need renewed faith and strength to get through the days, weeks and years ahead of them.


A couple days ago, a 17 year old volunteer from Chicago drowned in Kinniconick Creek. You can read about it here.


A week ago yesterday, a 16-year old from Garrison, passed away. Drew Riffe. His mom is Tracie, a cousin to my step-mom, Gena. His dad, George and step-mom, Tessa are great friends of mine. Drew loved to ride horses. The day of his burial, 153 horses rode along side him for his last ride here on earth. 


To honor Drew, the the Rough Riders Saddle Club of Lewis County will host its July trail ride on July 23rd at George and Tessa Riffes' on Bill Chain Road in Garrison, KY off of Route 3311. 
They will be riding the entire Mountain Trail from start to finish, roughly 8 or 9 hours. This is a difficult ride. The ride will start promptly at 9:30am. Riders need to include a trail lunch. A cookout will follow the ride on the Riffe farm at the days end. 


Please RSVP to Kirk Collier at 606-541-4207 or Reah Stone at 606-541-5009 or Becky Horsley 606-541-0157. 


Directions: If traveling East on AA HWY: Turn right off of AA onto 3311, If traveling West on AA HWY: turn left off of AA onto 3311. Go approximately a mile, and turn onto Bill Chain Road, his place is on the right. Signs will be posted.


I know many of you aren't from Lewis County and won't be able to attend this trail ride, but please keep this family in your hearts and prayers this Saturday.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Sounds like more progress and makes me shout with joy. May God continue to pour His blessings upon Lance and family.

    Gina I

    ReplyDelete

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