Giving back – it’s a trend that is talked about a lot lately and it’s one I can stand behind. Some people though, have beat the odds and because of medical technology, are doing as much as they can to help make their communities better. Medtronic Foundation Philanthropy created the Bakken Invitation program to connect and celebrate people who, with the help of medical technology, have overcome health challenges and now selflessly give back to their communities. The 2015 Bakken Invitation Award honors 12 people from 11 countries, all whom use their “extra life” to serve others and embody the program’s tagline “LIVE ON GIVE ON”. We all have something to give and there is no better time like the present to help those in need. We don’t need a life-altering moment to start giving back — the Bakken Honorees encourage you to start now.
My Reasons For Giving Back
Everyones has different reasons for doing the things that they do, because let’s face it, everyones life experiences are different; but I think that at the end of the day most people want to help when and where they can. In my life I’ve had ups and downs. Times when I can help others and times when I needed a little help and I think as long as we give back when we can, the help will be there when we need it. Give and take and we all make it through. I try to volunteer when I can. I can’t always give financially, but my time is just as important. I usually volunteer with the school district because what’s more important than our children, and at least a couple times a year I try to give a few hours to the local food bank. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it helps get food on someones table that otherwise may not have had it so every little bit counts.
For some, it can be overwhelming or intimidating to hear about ambitious charity work or foundation projects around the world, but the Bakken Honorees know that everyone has something they can contribute to their community, and there’s no better time than now to make it happen. Big or small, it will make a difference for someone.
What can you contribute or maybe you already do? Why do you do it?Has medical technology made a difference in your life? Has it given you a reason to try and help others? Let me know in the comments below and be entered to win a $100 Visa® Gift Card so you make a positive impact on your community!
Pamela Gurganus says
March 4, 2016 at 12:46 pmI contribute by volunteering at my local food bank and library. I do it because even though I know I’m helping others, I get so much out of it for myself. It really makes me feel good.
Lisa Brown says
March 5, 2016 at 6:10 amI contribute to my community by donating to our food bank and hospices. I also try to feed the homeless, when I can. I do it to try to alleviate the suffering of so many in this country nowadays. Medical technology saved my husbands life and he is still with me today. Thank you for the chance. jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Jessie C. says
March 5, 2016 at 5:28 pmI give back by donating to local shelters and volunteering in community center. I do these because I can and love to. Sharing does make a better world. Medical technology has made a difference in my MIL’s life, she lives with Medtronic pacemaker.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Harmony b says
March 6, 2016 at 4:33 amThe medical technology is amazing. My father in law. When he was getting wound treatment utilized many.
Julie Wood says
March 6, 2016 at 8:12 aml am inspired by Andrea Volfova who is from the Prague, Czech Republic and has had cardiovascular disease and she says: CHOOSE LOVE AND COMPASSION, EVERY SINGLE TIME. How awesome! My brother also has a congenital heart defect and if it was not for modern medical technology he would not be here today!
And I give back to my community by Volunteering at the Food Banks and helping out during the food drives and I would donate this money to my local food bank.
Gina M says
March 6, 2016 at 1:32 pmI 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.
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!
Fortunately, I am not living with any medical technology.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Amy Orvin says
March 7, 2016 at 7:08 amI give back by donating clothes and furniture to our local Kidney Foundation because I know that it helps people in need. It makes me feel good about myself to help. I also give canned vegetables and food to the food drive we have at the grocery store. I do not use medical technology.
Kelly D says
March 7, 2016 at 11:49 amI am not living with medical technology, however I like to donate food to my local pantry to give back to my community. I like to do this so I can have my kids help and set a good example for them by helping others.
Elle says
March 7, 2016 at 1:09 pmI contribute through donating my time and food and personal hygiene items to those in need, specifically a local shelter that I think does some great work. I like to help people when I can.
Dawn Monroe says
March 7, 2016 at 7:06 pmWe have a residents in need program through our school that we donate food and toys to but I admit we could and should be doing more. The nominees stories are very inspiring and motivating.
Donna says
March 8, 2016 at 10:13 pmI love volunteering at my local shelter. I’ve met so many great individuals there who have such amazing stories to share.
Heather Ellis says
March 10, 2016 at 8:13 amI give back to my community through my job as a children’s librarian. Besides their parents, I am often the first person to read to a child, and that is SO important!
I don’t live with medical technology at the moment. But my daughter was saved by a ventilator as an infant, so I am forever grateful…
Evie B. says
March 10, 2016 at 10:01 amI donate items often to different causes near me. I donate mostly food, clothing items in the winter time and baby items like diapers or formula.
Linda says
March 11, 2016 at 10:00 amI volunteer and donate because I know that it can and does make a difference.
marie says
March 12, 2016 at 10:44 amI contribute through awareness and my donating my time and items to local charities.
latanya says
March 12, 2016 at 7:10 pmI volunteer at my son’s school when they need help.
julie says
March 12, 2016 at 8:32 pmAll of the stories were so inspiring. Kerry and Qi’s stories were particularly impactful because a close family member of mine as well as a friend was affected by diabetes. It was really hard seeing the disease slowly affect various parts of their bodies and lives. I woudl use the money to help with the at risk youth group that I work with
heather says
March 14, 2016 at 5:24 pmI am so inspired by Lisa Visser’s story, she is amazing and I love that she gives back to the homeless. I give back to the community by donating to local charity organizations and also to local animal shelters.
julie raye rod says
March 14, 2016 at 8:22 pmAndrea’s story was my favorite to read. My best friend has a congenital heart condition and she reminds me so much of Andrea. They’re both fighters and have used their conditions to inspire others.
I love helping out because it feels good to help other people. I like making a difference in any way that I can and you meet so many different kinds of people while volunteering. I’ve met army vets and people that have either lost their way or just met some unfortunate situations. Every body needs a helping hand and I just hope that if I’m ever in that situation, someone would be able to do the same.
Rachel says
March 15, 2016 at 10:14 amHow I loved this article, my Marcus is struggling with his heart and will be needing a pace maker soon. My auntie also has one, and frequently has to call in and have hers set. I love giving back to the community, last event was lunch amount friends for the wellness house. This is an amazing cancer support center for all touched. What an amazing article, thank u for sharing and gettibg awareness out!
Terry Stevens says
March 17, 2016 at 11:28 amThe medical technology of the Gamma Knife for a brain tumor has changed my life as well as saved it. In addition, the mammogram technology has saved my life in detecting breast cancer early on.
Ann says
March 17, 2016 at 10:34 pmI studied psychology and parkinson’s disease was always something that I was interested in. David’s DBS shows just how far technology has come and I’m inspired by his upbeat personality. I love volunteering at our local homeless shelter