Bakken Invitation Live on. Give on.
Running and finishing the Chicago Marathon made me realize how lucky I am to have my health
Last year I ran the Chicago Marathon, which was my first effort in the grueling 26.2 mile course. I had participated in two cross-country ski marathons previous to this and have since competed in two more. I enjoy the training, being fit, and especially the sense of accomplishment afterward. Running the marathon has long been a bucket list item.
I wanted others to feel the accomplishment that I felt after finishing the race as well as the positive benefits that running a race or taking up cross-country skiing provides. This is one of the reasons that I blog and post these activities on my website and social media – I would like to motivate and inspire others to follow in my footsteps.
Completing the Chicago Marathon made me realize how fortunate I am
I have been fortunate to have good health thanks to luck and my active lifestyle. Not everyone can make the same claim. I remember during a particular grueling section of the marathon, I was passed by a runner with a prosthetic limb. The Bakken Invitation honors people like this who have overcome and have then made a difference with their second chance via the live on give on campaign.
The Medtronic Bakken Invitation and Live on. Give on.
Medtronic’s Bakken Invitation highlights ten individuals who have overcome life threatening illnesses thanks to medical technology and have used their second chance to give back to their community. Furthermore, the Live on. Give On. campaign seeks to motivate others to follow in their footsteps of these 10 amazing people and make a positive impact.
List of Bakken Invitation ten honorees who Live on. Give on.
The story of David Watkins and Ironheart
One person who has not let unfortunate circumstances paint their legacy is David Watkins. David Watkins from Snohomish, Washington spent 17 hours one day at the surgery table where his heart actually stopped beating for five minutes. His family was brought in to say their possible goodbyes. He somehow survived this day only to suffer a stroke one month later. An even greater miracle occurred 6 months after his long day in the surgery room: David Watkins competed in a half marathon and then 7 months after that an Ironman competition.
Live on. Give on. – I realized it is not as easy for some people to finish
Not only is the David Watkins story impressive for what he overcame as an individual, but through his experience he decided he wanted to help others lead both a healthier lifestyle and give people with similar difficulties motivation to climb their own mountain. David went on to start the Ironheart Foundation. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in this country and claims more lives than respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and accidents combined. The goal of Ironheart is to help people become more heart-smart and heart healthy and inspire, educate, and motivate the world to live a more heart healthy lifestyle.
I know that I am inspired by the David Watkins story. Hist tip is to start to live your legacy. I have kind of slipped in my healthy resolve since completing the Chicago Marathon last year. I now feel motivated to get back in better shape thanks to hearing about the Ironheart Foundation. I do not want my legacy to be of one who took a step backward after taking on one of the most grueling events in fitness sports.
Bakken Invitation Live on. Give on.
Give back to your community
Medtronic and the Bakken Invitation wants you to share your story. Just as the honorees are giving back, you too can help your community by doing something big or small to help. Please share your story in the comment section on what you do to give back. When you comment, you are automatically entered to win a $100.00 prepaid Visa gift card to aid you to do good in your community.
In order to enter:
1. Click on this link
2. Make a comment below and include who of the ten in the link above inspires you and also include what you do in your community to make a difference.
This article is financially supported by Medtronic
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They’re all so inspiring. How does one choose? I think Lucilla’s work with Parkinson’s disease patients touches me most. I have a friend who I watched suffer with the disease and it’s heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing these people’s stories with me, Ted.
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Thank for the comment Leah!
Wow, Ted, an amazing an inspirational post.. these stories certainly motivate, it is amazing what people can accomplish when we put our minds towards making a difference, thanks for highlighting this charity..
If I had to choose one, very difficult, Sami story was inpsiring because of her age… I always find it so special when someone so young understand so much and works to help others…
stay making a difference, Craig
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Thanks Craig for checking out the stories.
Samantha Peterson’s story was the most inspiring for me. Being very close to her age, I couldn’t imagine the struggles that would come with being diagnosed with a condition as debilitating as scoliosis from such a young age. Although many of the other honorees had also been diagnosed with their conditions early on, I found Samantha’s the most admirable, having her courage and determination despite having to give up something that was such a huge part of her life. The fact that she used her own experiences with her condition and her desire to help others dealing with it to create an organization as helpful as SHIFT is such an amazing accomplishment.
Although I can’t say that my ways of giving back have had nearly as great of an effect as these courageous individuals, I do try to make an impact however I can in the community. I volunteer at my local senior center whenever I get the chance. Also, I’m studying accounting at my university, so during tax season I’ll be volunteering at the local VITA center, offering tax preparation services for individuals who cannot afford to have their taxes done professionally.
Thanks Allisha for the comment and for entering the contest. Our time is really our most valuable asset, so the fact that you volunteer and give your time freely in order to make an impact in your community is admirable. Thank you for making a difference.
Hard to choose just one, but I’ll go with Krystal Boyea. I have a couple of dear friends with Type 1 Diabetes and I’ve seen their struggles. It’s not something to take lightly.
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I feel inspired by Haruko Sato’s story and I do good in my community by buying cat food and treats to help feed the neighborhood cats in need. That’s my calling , that’s how I give back! I enjoy helping animals! It’s very rewarding to me!!
David Watkin’s story was my favorite because of the sports influence in his life. I dedicate much of my time towards helping keep kids in my community active. I teach tennis to underprivileged kids in my community and would use the money to buy additional teaching materials and racquets.
whittikere(at)yahoo(dot)com
I thought everyone’s story was beautiful and really love how each individual faced their obstacles with strength and courage. Clent Benson’s story was one of my favorites. I love that he is living life to it’s fullest and also helping our younger generation discover their passions.
I volunteer at a shelter close to my home and love and appreciate the relationships that I have built there. I love hosting small events for them and would use the money towards creating more care packages for families in need.
Linjumimom(at)aol(dot)com
I have known a lot of people close to me that have been diagnosed with diabetes. Krystal’s story really touched me because I do feel like diabetes is one of those “hidden” diseases. You can’t physically spot it but it’s one that can be very deadly if not treated properly. I love that Krystal has become a voice for people with the disease and is really putting her efforts into one location and doing as much as she can there.
The people that I surround myself with constantly inspire me to give back. I’ve always been involved in community service activities and I have found my passion in working with underprivileged Hispanic children. I participated in the immersion program in my elementary school and I love the language and am thrilled to be able to help with translations and providing tutoring services etc. I would use the $100 to purchase teaching materials for the kids! – Marie (mijulin[at]cox[dot]net)
All of the stories were so insipring. I think my favorite was Lucilla Bossi’s story. Parkinson’s is such a terrifying disease. How wonderful to see someone conquering it! I like to support the St. Louis Crisis Nursery along with other organizations like my son’s school. When you see good work being done in your own community it’s much easier to help out, I think.
Lucille’s work with Parkinsons!
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I enjoyed reading IGOR CHAMILLA’s story because I do feel like education and knowledge are powerful tools. Everyone’s story was great but I really connected with Igor’s story.
I’m studying to be a nurse so I love volunteering in my field. I’ve been working with the Red Cross and have learned so much from the people that I have interacted with. I really love helping and working with the little ones. I love surprising them with little gifts to brighten their day or by having little educational parties like trivia days. I would use the money towards the kids.