Helen Karnath a profile in resilience

by collette caprara

your painting," she said.

In July 2022, in a tragic life-changing moment, Helen suffered a paralyzing stroke "My son Tim and I were sitting in the living room talking and suddenly I realized my right arm was going numb," she recalled. "Tim had taken EMT training and recognized what was happening and called an ambulance immediately." Although action was taken so quickly and time is of the essence in mitigating stroke damage, Helen lost the use of her right hand and foot

Amazingly, as soon as she completed her regimen of physical therapy, Helen determined that she would paint again and began exploring what she could do with her left hand. Incredibly, the beautiful Rappahannock Sunset painting she just completed was done with her left hand

Humble about her awe-inspiring artistic accomplishment, she says matterof-factly, "One part of your body takes over when another part doesn't work. For example, if you lose your sight, your sense of smell may become stronger."

Because she can no longer navigate the stairs to her basement studio, Tim set up a table with some art supplies upstairs and she is working on some art projects at home. Tim drives her to her weekly class at Liberty Town and helps her in and out with her walker. She completed her first left-handed painting in class last week.

Helen reflects on her accomplishment and resilience with humility and determination. "I think you just have to accept what's been given to you. It's still hard and I get frustrated sometimes when I am painting and my left hand doesn't do what I want it to do. But you just have to take a breath and dive right in." Her advice to others facing challenges in their lives is simple and clear: "Do what you want to do."