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




Tuesday, September 13, 2011

I'm almost positive that this picture doesn't really need a caption. However, who has ever known me to be speechless?
I hadn't posted a picture of Lance yet. Except for when he was walking on the treadmill, but I've stayed away from his face because I wasn't sure how he felt about that. However, I can't help but post this one... He looks wonderful!
Today, my dad loaded Lance up in the convertible and took him for a ride around town. He went to tell our Grandma Betty, happy birthday. Then they drove out to Clarksburg, hoping to run into Mom or Ben, stopped by the dental office and even drove out to the high school.
Since Thanksgiving weekend, Lance has only ridden in a helicopter, ambulances and the handicap accessible fan. The Sebring was a nice change of scenery.
I was wondering this evening if it was scary for him to be back in a car. Especially one without a top. I wondered if he would be anxious. But, Lance continues to impress us all. He seemed relaxed and had a good time.
Lance continues with trips to Lexington and Ashland for therapy every week. They are doing such good things for him. Sometimes, they ask him if its hurting and he says yes. Then, they will ask if they need to stop and he says no. He has such determination. He went back to church again this past Sunday. He is also able to eat more.... homemade ice cream, small pieces of fruit and he is drinking from a cup by himself. Sometimes, I feel like things are slow. But all I have to do is think back to 9 1/2 months ago and then I remember exactly how far he has come and how powerful prayer is.

I'm sleepy... maybe I will update more soon!
-Chelcee
Posted by at

8 comments:

  1. MarilynSeptember 14, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    What a blessed way to end my day. Thanks for posting a picture of Lance. He looks amazing and I hope to get to see him out soon. May he continue to improve and stay healthy. Love and prayers to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    I almost waited until morning to check the blog, but couldn't resist. Hurrah ! How good Lance looks. Continued prayers and virtual hugs for Lance and family. Gina I

    ReplyDelete
  3. LOIDASeptember 14, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
    And my song shall ever be:
    O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
    Is my Savior's love for me!
    This were the words that came into my mind and my heart, jumping high, thanking the Lord, praising Him for His awesomeness one more time for what He is doing in Lance's life and the rest of the family. Wow! he looks so different from that day I saw him at the Cafeteria at Shepherd. Thank you Lord! Only the Lord understands and you, the family what I am expressing. Lance, YOU ROCK! I love that "Thumbs up!" I remember how I cried of JOY the day Danny gave the same answer to Dr. Kaelin as he commanded Danny the thumbs up and Danny, to our amazement answer back. Dr. Kaelin's eyes swell with tears as well. I would like for you to share with Lance, Danny's pictures is my fb. Telling him about Danny's sloooooow progress (6 years now) to encourage him. Danny still remember that day at the cafeteria when John, with teary eyes as well as Danny encourage him to have patience and told him it is slow. I will show Danny the picture and I will ask him to send a comment.
    My love to all of you and a tight hugh to Lance from me. I know he doesn't know me but its okay. One day maybe, if not, ONE DAY for sure with no pain, walking, running, jumping in the presence of the Lord for ever and ever.
    If you met Dr. Darryl Kaelin, head of the ABI here at Shepherd he is now at Cadinal Hills in Kentucky. By the way I read the post at the 6th floor, Family Lounge since Danny is in his Beyond Therapy sesion.
    Blessings, Loida

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Absolutely amazing. What a mighty and awesome God we serve!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. DianeSeptember 14, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing this picture. Lance looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 14, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    This is great!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousOctober 10, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Wow he really looks great and we love the thumbs up !! Bill & April

    ReplyDelete
  8. karenOctober 13, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    What a wonderful site!!!! that picture surley says a thousand words then some! It warms my heart so! thanks for sharing as always in our thoughts and prayers. Karen

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)