A Daleys Point local is in the running for a national award following her fight for a ‘new normal’ after suffering a stroke six years ago.
Suzanne Ghent, 59, has been selected as a Stroke Foundation 2021 national awards finalist in the ‘Creative Award’ category after turning to art in her recovery.
Ghent, now a full-time artist, photographer, poet and jeweller, is humbled by the recognition and said the journey has taken both time and patience.
“After my stroke, I learnt to tap into things that bring me joy like my art and my family,” Ghent said.
“I encourage other survivors of stroke to find their passion and use it to help them move forward.”
Her experience left her with mobility, speech, memory and vision difficulties, and impacted her sense of self, but after spending 12 months in rehabilitation, Ghent has come a long way in her recovery.
Stroke Foundation New South Wales State Manager, Rhian Paton-Kelly, congratulated Ghent for using her creative side to embrace her new normal.
“Suzanne highlights the powerful role creative endeavours can play in recovery from stroke,” Paton-Kelly said.
“For many people painting or writing provides a way to express emotions and engage with life.”
Paton-Kelly said 2020 delivered unprecedented challenges to the stroke community, with many survivors of stroke self-isolating for months in order to protect themselves from COVID-19.
“Survivors of stroke demonstrated resilience and innovation to adapt to the changed environment to continue their projects or goals,” Paton-Kelly added.
“This is what we will be celebrating in Stroke Foundation national Stroke Awards.”
With almost 70 people nominated across six categories this year, the Stroke Foundation’s national award winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 5.
Source:
Media release, Apr 13
Stroke Foundation