A couple of weeks ago, I shared
. As a person and a parent, I believe in the importance of giving back. I find it important to give back to the community for one main reason –

if it were me, I would hope someone would help me

.

We often take things in our life for granted.

I have 3 healthy children who have food on the table, a roof over their head, and clothes on their back. Not everyone can say the same. There are people who are not healthy, suffering from cancer or heart conditions or diabetes. There are people who are homeless. There are people who only own the clothes that they are currently wearing. There are people who don’t know where their next meal will come from.

My kids have toys, technology, television; little things that we take for granted and forget to realize that not everyone can afford these luxuries. Yes, luxuries. You don’t need toys, technology, or television to live. It is a privilege that some people cannot afford to have.

My children have people that love and care for them. I have a husband who loves and cares for me and our children. My heart is full of love for my children and husband. Some people have none of that. They are alone.

If my children were to fall ill, I would hope that people would be there to support me emotionally, mentally, physically. If needed, monetarily.

If we lost our home, our belongings, and struggled to put food on the table, clothes on our backs, or a roof over our head; I would hope that people would help us.

If I were to lose my loved ones or vice versa, I would hope that someone would be there to lift me or my loved ones up.

Some may call it karma, I call it human kindness.

What does Medtronic Foundation have to do with this?

The
is a global program that
Philanthropy launched in 2013 to connect 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.

At Medtronic Foundation, we believe that everyone should be able to receive quality, affordable healthcare. As part of this effort, Medtronic Foundation is sharing patient success stories through programs like the Bakken Invitation to help educate and inspire other patients to manage their health condition.

The
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.

We know 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.

Since 2013, The Bakken Invitation recognizes outstanding contributions of service, volunteerism, and leadership. Each year, selected Honorees earn a $20,000 grant from Medtronic Foundation Philanthropy to direct to a charity of their choice.

The
this year include charities for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more.

The entire key is giving back.

How do YOU give back?