Dick
Clark delivers inspirational 'New Year's Rockin' Eve';
Legend's return proves the Road to Recovery can be
triumphant
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- More than a year
after suffering a devastating stroke, Dick Clark overlooked
Times Square Saturday to host his annual "New Year's Rockin' Eve" show.
With stern determination and a commitment to his recovery,
Clark made his return an inspirational event for stroke
survivors all around the world.
Clark spoke candidly about
his stroke and acknowledged that he had to teach himself how
to walk and talk all over again. Like many stroke survivors,
Clark is continuing to work on improving his overall
condition.
"He made a tremendous
accomplishment and I can imagine how hard it was for him,"
said New Jersey stroke survivor Ron Gardner, 53. "My family
and I watched the program and became overcome with emotion
and memories of my own recovery."
There are nearly five
million stroke survivors in the United States. Recovering
from a stroke can involve intense therapy and even setbacks
for the survivor. On the other hand, there are
accomplishments that are truly incredible and unimaginable.
"Having to learn life's
basic tasks all over again is a remarkable task at any age,"
said Jim Baranski, CEO of National Stroke Association. "Dick
Clark is a hero and the time has come that he and the five
million other stroke survivors in this country be recognized
as heroes."
Stroke is the third
leading cause of death in America and the No. 1 cause of
adult disability.
A stroke or "brain attack"
occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel
that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood
vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the
body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the
brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells
begin to die and brain damage occurs.
Knowing which hospitals
have a Stroke Center and getting there fast greatly increase
a patient's chance of recovery. In addition, starting
rehabilitation immediately after the stroke will greatly
increase the success of rehabilitation.
"Some people may have
looked at Dick Clark and thought he really isn't doing that
well," said Gardner. "This is a matter of perception. I know
what he has been through and can assure you he has come a
long, long way and is doing very well."
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