We’re excited to partner with the 2015 Bakken Invitational Awards to share stories of what it means to Live On. Give On. and Give Back. And we’re providing $100 gift card to help you share in the spirit of giving back to the community.
“Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.”
That’s a mantra that I like to say I live by, but when you take a look at the 12 Honorees for the 2015 Bakken Invitation Award you really understand what it means. Each of these extraordinary individuals shows how the will of the human spirit to overcome a life-changing medical challenge and then take control of “their second life” made possible by a medical device.
A global program launched in 2013, the Bakken Invitational was named for Medtronic co-founder, Earl Bakken, who developed the first external, battery-powered, wearable pacemaker, an invention that has saved millions of lives and shaped the modern medical device industry.
It’s from incredibly giving individuals like the Bakken honorees, that people just like our family have touched from the giving spirit of others. From the college scholarships I received to get me through college or my son’s wish to go to Disney World by an organization that grants wishes for children with life-threatening conditions, our lives have forever been changed for the better because gave.
Photo credit: TR Photography
Have you been given an extra life and are living with a medical device or using medical technology?
Share it here and Medtronic Foundation will donate $10 to Project HOPE to help ensure that medical technology is available in underserved communities around the world.
One of the honoree’s stories that really touched me was that of Tanya Hall. Like my son, Tanya was born with a hole in her heart and a heart murmur. At 9 she had open heart surgery and then at 21, she was diagnosed with a number of heart arrhythmias requiring her to get a pacemaker. While she may have had the medical support she needed, she found herself frustrated with the lack of cardiac patient support groups in Australia and at a loss for how she would spend the rest of her life, so she founded hearts4heart.
Knowing first-hand the need for finding support for heart issues when my son was born, the story was even more touching as she also was the patient. So to carry on the work of educating, creating awareness of heart diseases, and to continue to provide support to others, goes to show the huge measure of her character and the real size of Tanya’s heart.
[Tweet “”Life isn’t about what you got, but what you gave.” @mamachallenge #LiveOnGiveOn AD “]
looking at her story, any of the other honoree’s stories or even mine, it’s clear that medical technology can dramatically improve the life of one person. The Bakken Invitation Award Honorees demonstrate that it can have social impact that reaches beyond just that person.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Which Bakken honoree inspires you?
Share your choice by commenting below and you could win a $100 VISA gift card to do some good in your community. (Valid only for U.S. citizens, 18 years and older. Winner will be selected on March 18, 2016.)
For continued inspiration connect with Medtronic Foundation on Twitter and the Bakken Invitational on Facebook.
Giving back is so important. Even if it’s just something little.
I have not heard of this organization before! I love when places can give back like this, especially to those who need it the most.
I love what this organization is doing. I haven’t heard of them before, but it sounds like they’re doing their part to bring joy to people who need it most.
Don’t you just love the advancements of modern technology? These people have a future and that is amazing.
I think Twinkle Vanfleet’s story touches me because I know someone who suffers from chronic pain. Her condition isn’t visible, but it is every bit as debilitating as other conditions which can be seen. It’s such a tough situation to be in because people assume she is just being a crybaby when she is actually in severe pain. Good for Twinkle to advocate for people who need her voice!
What inspiring messages! I love the “never give up on your dreams” motto.
I did not know there was a external, battery-powered, wearable pacemaker. It is amazing the technology that is available now.
These are all such inspiring stories. It is so important to give back to your community.
Tanya Hall is inspirational. It is scary to be born and deal with having a hole in your heart and all the side effects and health issues that arise from it. She stayed positive, worked and tries what she can to deal with it daily; she started a site to help others like her to get answers, and lives a happy life today.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
They were all so inspiring. I was moved by Tanya Hall’s story and the hole that was in her heart. Helping others with Cardiac Arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation is close to me via a friend who has heart problems.
Lisa Visser’s story inspires me because she helps homeless people
Andrea Volfova inspires me! My dad has cardiovascular disease, and I think her mission, and outlook to: CHOOSE LOVE AND COMPASSION, EVERY SINGLE TIME. is amazing and inspirational.
Twinkle VanFleet is an inspiration to me. She turns her experiences of fighting disease into opportunities of helping and supporting needed people. I would give back by donating to local shelters and food banks.
Twinkle VanFleet inspires me as I am also an individual who has experienced chronic pain for over 20 years.
I am touched and inspired by David Simmonds story about living with Parkinson’s Disease. I like that he works to help others with the disease.
Sheila Vasconcellos’s story inspires me because I have a few family members with diabetes. I know that it’s a tough illness, but she keeps fighting and giving back! That is truly awesome to me!
Lisa Visser’s story is inspiring, I like how the LORD is using her to help the homeless community. Thanks for the chance to win
The person that inspires me the most is Andrea Volfova, from the Prague, Czech Republic. And her inspiring message “CHOOSE LOVE AND COMPASSION, EVERY SINGLE TIME.” I want to do this with others! I give back by volunteering at my Local Food bank and help with collecting food.
David Simmonds inspires me the most. I cannot imagine how difficult living with Parkinson’s disease would be. Instead of letting it get to him, he is helping others that are also living with it.
turtleemiwee(at)hotmail(dot)com
Dr. Thomas Okello is inspiring. The fact that he became a Dr to help others with heart problems.
Sheila Vasconcellos inspired me because my sister became diabetic when she was 5. 3 years ago I donated a kidney to her and last year she had a pancreas transplant. She is now doing fantastic and helping out the older population. My grandkids and I collect new toys throughout the year and donate them to toy drives at Christmas. This GC would go towards that effort.
I am inspired by Sheila Vasconcellos, I have family members impacted by diabetes and I love her message –
“LOVE IS A POWERFUL REMEDY THAT EVERYONE CAN SHARE.”
I give back by my work with our local council against the abuse and neglect of children.
I am very inspired by Twinkle’s story because I cannot imagine having to live with chronic pain. She not only has had to deal with this symptom of her medical condition, but she has used her life to raise awareness for CRPS/RSD and neuropathic pain diseases and disorders. Wow!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I am very inspired by Twinkle’s story because I cannot imagine having to live with chronic pain. She not only has had to deal with this symptom of her medical condition, but she has used her life to raise awareness for CRPS/RSD and neuropathic pain diseases and disorders. Wow!
I give back to my community by donating clothing and personal needs to our local womens shelter. I do this because I know how fortunate I am to have more than I really need, and want to do what I can to help others.
Fortunately, at this time I am not living with medical technology.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
David Simmonds inspires me. I like that he works to help other Parkinson’s patients.
Dr. Thomas Okello’s story inspires me the most.. I like that he became a doctor himself to help others and fight against the disease that so greatly affected him.
I would use the $100 to buy groceries to donate to my local food bank.
I found Twinkle’s story inspiring. I have a friend who lives with chronic pain and it can be difficult for those who do not to understand.
Lisa Visser’s story seemed to inspire me when I looked at all of the stories.
I like Twinkles story because my husband is also in pain all the time.
Lisa Visser! Fellow Minnesotan doing awesome things for our communities. Great people!
I liked Kerry Kalweit
Vincent Browne inspired me. It takes a lot to have 3 heart attacks & instead of simply being a victim, he chose to spread awareness of it. Amazing!
Those are some truly inspirational stories. This seems like such a worthwhile organization. I try to give back by volunteering locally and being kind to people.
Heart disease has touched our lives in so many ways – both my in-laws passed because of it so those honorees with cardio-vascular disease are the ones that inspire me.
Very inspiring, my daughter is planing on knitting some caves for abandoned wild animals
Tanya Hall inspires me with her persistent spirit and positivity.
Twinkles inspired me the most. It reminds me of how thankful I should be and helps me understand my friend who’s going through a similar circumstance.
I am inspired by Sheila Vasconcellos’s story. Type 1 Diabetes is something that our family deals with and I like how she dedicates herself to helping children with cancer and blood conditions.
I’m inspired by David Simmonds story because he uses humor to help himself and other with Parkinson’s Disease. They all are inspirations.
All 12 are doing good things but I guess I will choose Sheila Vasconcellos.
Tanya hall inspires me. It is so great to be able to overcome life difficulties. I know myself living with pain everyday is hard but getting thru the day and the love of my family matters most to me. I’m very bless for my family that helps me everyday. My husband donates his time to help the homeless and tries to donate a clean water well each year. We still want to do more for others less fortunate then us but now on a stricken budget I stretch that dollar to other as well.
Tanya Hall inspires me because I have two family members who have heart conditions including murmurs and she really shows how if you care and put the effort in you can make big changes
THOMAS OKELLO inspired they all do but he really spoke to me!He said I was given a miracle and think the same thing in my situation. I was paralyzed at the age of 12 due to an accident and was never to walk again. Well a short few weeks after my surgery to repair my back I got the feeling back in my legs and was and am a walking miracle! Thanks to the doctors and the care and encouragement and a lot of prayers!
David Simmonds inspired me because Parkinson’s Disease is such a debilitating illness and yet he uses humor to get through it and help others. He is truly inspiring in my eyes!
Tanya Hall inspired me I really like that she created her own support when she didn’t have any and now she gives support to others with cardiac patients.
David Simmonds inspired me because despite his disease, he was able to find joy.
I am inspired by David Simmons story. He got Parkinsons quite young, and it is not an easy disease to live with. It has affected people in my life so I have seen it first hand. He finds humor and humor is imprtant .
We give back to our community in several different ways.. we volunteer at a food giveaway site and help serve meals. I am an avid gardener and give some of what was blessed to me back to the food bank. We also love giving to Toys for Tots . Theres a long story involved there but years ago when I was a child our family got toys and I will never forget them.
I also do TNR and socialize kittens out of pocket and maintain a feral cat colony (TNR is trap nueter release) I have done that well over 20 years .
We do quite a but, and try to do more. So many people are hurting, and although we have little it is a pleasure to do what we can. I would use the extra money to buy more seeds for the garden so we can give more of the bounty of the earth.
My husband had major heart attack and then months later cancer was discovered. He is living with stents now and has the after effects of radiation. It isnt easy and each day I pray he stays healthy.
I am inspired by Tanya Hall. Her positive attitude and perseverance to overcome all of her circumstances is truly an inspiration we all can adhere to. My father died very young due to cardiac disease. Although medical technology has come a long way – we still have a long way to go to help fight cardiac disease.
I was really touched by Lisa Visser’s story. So many people pretend that homelessness is invisible, and that homeless people don’t deserve any respect. Lisa is an inspiration to all of us.
To me Lisa Visser is an inspiration. It’s great that she gives back to her community the way she does.
Thomas Okello inspires me. Not only is he a survivor, he uses his experience to aid others facing the same health disorder – as a cardiologist.
How inspiring! Thank God for the technology that is out in this world!
Dr. Thomas Okello is inspiring. The fact that he became a Dr to help others with heart problems is so inspiring
Lisa Visser.
Thomas Okello inspires me the most! From heart replacement and now a cardiologist who helps others just like him and worse!he is truly a inspiration to me! i admire his hard work and his volunteering efforts!
Lisa, it’s so good to give back & inspire others!
Tanya Hall: wow, to overcome all her challenges that is such a feat. What a extrodnary woman.
Lisa Visser is a great compasionate lady
Twinkle Vanfleet’s story is the most inspirational in my opinion. Having family members who also suffer from chronic pain and seeing the impact is truly inspirational.
I am so inspired by Lisa Visser’s story. I give back to the community by donating to local charity organizations and also to local animal shelters.
BHIM MAHAT inspires me. He’s dedicating his life to helping others.
Giving back is so important. never forget where you came from
Qi Zhang inspires me the most as a diabetic
Twinkle. I have a neuropathic disease that’s progressive, debilitating, ended my college career and any working outside the home jobs due to the amount of pain it causes. The new therapies available, research, and awareness can never be too much, in my opinion!
Twinkles story touched me deeply!!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED 3//16/16/
David Simmonds inspired . My mom has a firm if Parkinson’s and dementia, so I can relate to his story
Andrea Volfova inspires me. I think it is amazing that she never let her disease stop her or define her. I think that it is awesome that she continues to give back and engage in charitable activities by helping children in Africa, works for the UN and goes on peacekeeping missions,
Sheila Vasconcellos. She has type 1, which is usually pretty debilitating, but that hasn’t stopped her from focusing on helping children with cancer and blood conditions.
Sheila Vasconcellos inspires me! She has Type 1 Diabetes like my brother does. He was diagnosed very young, and with todays technology…has the insulin pump like she does! She has done so much and gives back to families with cancer. An amazing woman!
Thomas Okello is inspiring because he had heart surgery at a young age and then became a cardiologist.
How neat and inspiring! Lisa Visser and all of the nominees are doing great work.
Lisa Vissers story inspires me. My husband’s family currently has 2 uncles and 1 cousin homeless, and I know how difficult it is to try to help those that have issues and are homeless.
Lisa Vissar looks like a great nominee! I love her story! Thanks
Andrea Volfova inspires me and Cardio Disease is very close to my heart!
Tanya Hall’s story inspired me! Love hearing inspirational stories like this!
Twinkle VanFleet inspires me because her story reminds me a lot of my aunts who also suffers from chronic pain.
I was inspired by Tamya Hall.
Sheila Vasconcellos really inspires me because we have a strong family history diabetes in our family, & my granddad died from it! Sounds like she has handled living with diabetes very well for many, many years!
Andysavi.Mom@gmail.com
Lisa Visser’s story inspires me the most.
I appreciate the story of BHIM MAHAT. It is wonderful that he had a colleague who helped raise the funds for surgery. It is difficult to think that money would be a barrier to live-saving medical care. I really like his quote: “Love cannot be lost in translation. No matter someone’s native language or country, you can always be of service to others because the language of the heart is pure, divine and natural.”
I’d say they are all very inspiring, but the one that stood out the most for me was Twinkle VanFleet’s. May God bless all these wonderful people!!
Thomas Okello’s story is one of inspiration. His personal knowledge of the disease and it’s limitations probably makes him a better doctor than most!
I am inspired by Bhim Mahat and his passion about educating children by running a free
school.
Qi Zhang inspires me – her story is great. I had not heard of this organization before either, thanks for the post.
I am I spired by LISA VISSER and her extra life. I like how she is fighting to end homelessness. I also can relate to her because my dad is a cardiac arrest survivor and also has changed his life due to his extra life!
I like the story of Thomas Okelle from Uganda
Im so inspired by Kerry Kalweit. Her story is powerful and I love that she is using her struggle to help others with diabetes.
I am inspired by Tanya Hall.
Lisa Visser inspires me most. I also have heart disease and an ICD.
Very hard to choose, but I think Tanya Hall’s story and the hole that was in her heart and continuing to help others.
Andrea Volfova’s story really inspires me. Being labeled as a “invalid” as a child kept her from having a normal childhood. She went on to get a degree from Harvard and work for the United Nations in Africa.
Lisa Visser is an amazing women with an unbelieveable heart. The world needs more people like her.
Tanya really inspires me – when she wasn’t able to find the resources she needed to help her live her best life, she created those resources herself – and then shared them with the public so no one had to go through that frustration again. Truly thinking of others instead of focusing only on how to help herself.
Tanya inspires me the most.
Lisa Visser has a very inspiring story helping the homeless.
I am inspired by Kerry Kalweit with diabetes and helps others with diabetes.
I would love to be able to pay it forward in my community by giving back to the local women’s shelter to help support women and children. As a teacher, i would also give back to the local children’s home.
I was just diagnosed with hereditary high cholesterol that could potentially lead to several heart issues throughout my life. By just diagnosed, I’m talking two weeks ago. Ever since I’ve been looking into heart disease, lifestyle changes and warning signs. Because of this, Vincent Brown’s story speaks to me because that could be me. If I don’t do what I can now, learn everything I can and change my lifestyle, I could be in his position or worse. As a 28 year old woman, I never imagined that this would be something I would be worrying about at this time of my life. I look around and see women and men my age and wonder how many of them might be in the same boat, and not know yet. The more we fund and teach, the better people will care for themselves.
I am most inspired by Sheila Vasconcellos.
JUAN CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ CORREDERA,inspires me!! He has increased awareness of a serious condition and has brought help to his entire country with his organization Asenbar. Talk about turning a negative into a positive! Amazing! kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Twinkle stuck out to me the most. I love her words of wisdom, “When you think you can’t, maybe you already have.”
David Simmonds; I like that he uses humor to deal with the burden of Parkinson’s.
Very inspirational I to help with my neighbor that needs help with homework.. I also enjoy giving food to people in need.
Twinkle VanFleet is my choice! My mom has issues with chronic pain and it took someone like Twinkle to allow her to be able to seek treatment for an issue that is so widely misunderstood!
Tanya Hall’s story is inspring dealing with a heart defect. I also understand those dealing with diabetes. As a type 1 diabetic it is a struggle to deal with your health and control your sugar level but also easier than many other illnesses.
Twinkle Van Fleet! I think chronic pain is so often overlooked and is a lot harder to deal with for most!
Kerry Kalweit is the Bakken honoree that inspires me.
Dr. Thomas Okello’s story inspires me the most. How he became a doctor to truly give back and help others is wonderful!
Lisa Visser’s story is inspiring to me! She is a great example for everyone!
I would purchase toys for the local children’s hospital. They saved my son’s life when he was 5 months old!
They all inspire me especially Twinkle. This sounds like an awesome program.
I like everything this company stands for. Im a cancer survivor so I feel God has given me another life,chance. I think its so important to bring happiness to everyone. I love helping the homeless. Their smile and happiness make my whole day. Im not rich as far as money, Im rich in Gods plan for my life. Helping the less fortunate is the most wonderful feeling. Thank you for the chance 🙂
The honoree that inspires me most is David Simmonds. The first thing that caught my attention was his quote “Wearing a burden with humor can inspire others” Humor is a good way to stay positive and have others stay positive and laughter is a good cure, not for disease, but for mental state. David, even living with Parkinson’s is using his life and devoting his time and energy to helping others. Many people who are in great health don’t volunteer their time and energy but David does desipte his disease which inspires me to want to help.