02March

#LiveOnGiveOn Inspiration From Medtronic Foundation's Bakken Invitation

$100 Gift Card Giveaway From Medtronic and Bakken Invitation

We all have something to give, and many times we don't realize this until we're faced with situations that seem insurmountable. Especially, when they're related to our health. Medtronic Foundation recognizes that this can be an extremely trying time, and has made it their mission to recognize and celebrate people who, with the help of medical technology, have overcome health challenges and are now selflessly giving back to their communities.

The Bakken Invitation award is annually given to patients from the Bakken Invitation Community recognizing extraordinary accomplishment. The program is named after Medtronic Foundation co-founder, Earl Bakken.

The Bakken Invitation promotes access to healthcare and inspires others to give back. The program was designed to highlight how when people have access to quality healthcare, they not only can successfully manage their own health condition, they can use their “extra life” to help others.

These individuals have faced life and death situations head on, and are not serving as inspiration to their communities and the world.

I was particularly inspired by Dr.Thomas Okello.

Dr. Okello is 36, and became a doctor after having a double heart valve replacement. He was diagnosed with severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at the age of 16. Growing up in Uganda, this was a common diagnosis. But, it was very rare for people to receive valve replacements as treatment. Dr. Okello was one of the lucky ones to have this option, and he's paid it forward ever since.

His commitment to ensuring people have the opportunity to receive treatment has led him to tirelessly champion good health habits to the citizens he encounters in Uganda. Dr. Okello believes "Treatment is a miracle", and does everything he can to help the citizens afflicted with RHD (Rheumatic Heart Disease) live the best life possible.

I've been blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to have access to quality medical care. But, I know that it can be a luxury we take for granted. My mother wasn't raised with access to quality medical care, and in the long run it contributed to health issues that plague her today.

Dr. Okello's story has inspired me to look for opportunities to volunteer to help those less fortunate have healthy lives. Look for opportunities in your community to help someone live their best lives.

Now here's your chance to win a $100 gift card. Comment on this post with your story about living with a medical device or tell me which one of the honorees inspired you.

*Voting ends on March 18th 2016. One entry per person, per comment. Winner will be selected at random. 2 Chicks and 1 Old Lady is not responsible for prize fulfillment. All winners much be 18 years of age or older by March 18, 2016 and be based in the US.

Good luck & go do something great! You can do it!

Posted in Front Page

Comments (34)

Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

03 March 2016 at 15:08 | #

Dr, Okello sounds like an amazing and inspiring person. I see why he caught your eye.

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Rachel Mouton

03 March 2016 at 15:56 | #

Thank you for all of the great inspiration! I just love this :)

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Ana De- Jesus

03 March 2016 at 19:36 | #

Aw bless him what a good man to be suffering but still wants to help others. We need more men like him!

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angie

03 March 2016 at 19:43 | #

what an amazing story. I love the love in this story With so many having places that could be stopped and waked away from so happy to see all fought through
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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tara pittman

03 March 2016 at 21:28 | #

It must be hard to live with a medical device. My dad has to have dyalisis 3 times a week.

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Mandie Stevens

03 March 2016 at 22:10 | #

Quality medical care is so important. I didn't grow up with it either but luckily I got it when I moved out on my own. Now we volunteer and talk about nutrition. It is amazing how many children don't understand about healthy foods.

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Jen

03 March 2016 at 22:56 | #

Great idea to start volunteering more. I have been looking for ways to do that more and is inspiring to hear your story.

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Elizabeth O.

04 March 2016 at 06:39 | #

It feels so rewarding to help those who need it most. Especially when it comes to health.

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Lexie Lane

04 March 2016 at 07:14 | #

Great post! So inspirational. Glad you shared it!

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Kathy Kenny Ngo

04 March 2016 at 12:44 | #

I know someone who would be perfect for this. His life goal? Help other people live quality life.

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Tamason Gamble

04 March 2016 at 14:46 | #

It is always great to hear about others that have had successful treatments bringing them back to good health. I always feel like I should be doing more.

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Bread

04 March 2016 at 15:54 | #

Awesome giveaway, the doctor if really inspirational.

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Shaylee

04 March 2016 at 18:08 | #

What a wonderful campaign! Very inspiring :)

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Clara

05 March 2016 at 06:04 | #

Everyone should find time to volunteer. There's always a need. Very inspiring post!

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Tami

06 March 2016 at 07:27 | #

This sounds like a wonderful program for individuals that need the healthcare. I don't have a medical device but I'm hoping someone who truly needs this will be blessed with winning the giveaway.

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Jennifer Hayden

06 March 2016 at 16:09 | #

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.

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Ana Fernandez

06 March 2016 at 16:10 | #

This is amazing ! How lucky he was and how he became a doctor to help others!

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Doran @ Haute Beauty Guide

06 March 2016 at 18:15 | #

What a great post. It is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

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Neiddy

07 March 2016 at 09:15 | #

The honoree that inspired me the most is Juan Carlos Hernández Corredera because he is providing and caring for foster children.

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Elle

07 March 2016 at 15:47 | #

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.

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Jessie C.

07 March 2016 at 20:57 | #

Twinkle VanFleet is an inspiration to me. She turns her experiences of fighting disease into opportunities of helping and supporting needed people.

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Elena

08 March 2016 at 12:28 | #

Lisa Visser inspires me because she helps homeless people

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Donna

09 March 2016 at 01:11 | #

My brother was in the hospital quite a bit and we always had nurses that went above and beyond. I knew that that was what I wanted to do when I was older. I loved reading all of the stories but was immediately drawn to Twinkle’s story and her quote “”WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN’T, MAYBE YOU ALREADY HAVE.” I think it’s so true, that everyone has those moments of doubt but before you know it, you find yourself crossing over that finishing line.

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Heather Ellis

10 March 2016 at 10:59 | #

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.

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Evie B.

10 March 2016 at 13:00 | #

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.

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Vi Dotter

11 March 2016 at 00:11 | #

I am always reminding my kids to be grateful. Life is ever so precious. A gift not to be taken for granted.

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Linda

11 March 2016 at 12:56 | #

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.

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marie

12 March 2016 at 13:45 | #

Tanya Hall. She created something beautiful out of a not so beautiful situation.

I've been so blessed in my life and try to give back as much as I can through the donation of physical items or my time.

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latanya

12 March 2016 at 18:49 | #

David Simmonds inspired me because despite his disease, he was able to find joy.

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julie

12 March 2016 at 23:33 | #

All 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.

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heather

14 March 2016 at 20:39 | #

I 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.

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julie raye rod

14 March 2016 at 23:23 | #

Andrea’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.

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- Pam
  
  18 March 2016 at 06:46 | #
  
  Congratulations Julie! You're our winner. I just sent you an email to get some additional information. Thank you for sharing!! Congratulations!
  
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ann

18 March 2016 at 01:38 | #

I 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.

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Two sisters taking care of their mom while trying to live life and find love.

Two sisters taking care of their mom while trying to live life and find love.

#LiveOnGiveOn Inspiration From Medtronic Foundation's Bakken Invitation

$100 Gift Card Giveaway From Medtronic and Bakken Invitation

Comments (34)

Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

Jen

Elizabeth O.

Lexie Lane

Jennifer Hayden

Neiddy

Elle

Jessie C.

Elena

Donna

Heather Ellis

Evie B.

Linda

marie

latanya

julie

heather

julie raye rod

Pam

ann

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