The artwork of stroke survivor Carole Buss, 83, was showcased at the May 24 celebration at Glendale Adventist Medical Center of its comprehensive stroke center designation.

Buss’ stroke was on the left side of her brain, so it affected her painting hand (she is right-handed). While she still has issues with her right hand she is able to continue painting with it. She has painted dozens of floral artwork after her stroke, which occurred when she was 80.

Last August, DNV GL Healthcare USA, Inc., awarded certification to GAMC as a comprehensive stroke center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of the most serious stroke events. The hospital is the first in California to receive this certification from DNV GL Healthcare.

By earning this accreditation, GAMC has demonstrated it exceeds patient safety standards set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association.

Buss was enjoying lunch with a friend on her birthday three years ago when she suddenly suffered a stroke. Due to the prompt attention from first responders and the medical staff at the hospital, Buss recovered from the ordeal without any severe long-term issues.

“It’s a miracle I’m doing so well,” said Buss.

As a professional artist and art teacher, she is back to painting and teaching her art classes.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes, and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.