The Bakken Invitation Award recognizes outstanding contributions of service, volunteerism, and leadership. Each year, selected Honorees are invited to nominate a charity of their choice for a $20,000 grant from Medtronic Foundation. They also join together in Hawaii to meet Earl Bakken, participate in community service projects and learn how to inspire others to “Live On. Give On.”
'IT’S OKAY TO MOURN THE LIFE YOU ONCE HAD.' Cajsa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002 and started using an insulin pump in 2016. She believes this has given her extra life, which she uses to give back to a community that supported her when she needed it the most.
'LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, ALWAYS!' At the age of 24, Elisabetta was diagnosed with ductal invasive metastatic breast cancer. She uses her extra life to change the lives of people dealing with cancer.
'SMILE FOR NO REASON AT ALL SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.' Eric was a professional opera singer when in 2012, he suffered a massive stroke. He dedicates his extra life to music therapy.
'GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING – GIVE IT AWAY!' Fran received a pacemaker following a quintuple bypass surgery in 1993. He is now 91 years old and continues to volunteer so people transitioning out of homelessness and poverty in his community can receive household goods they need.
'BUILD BRIDGES TO THOSE DIFFERENT FROM YOU.' Jack was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11. As a result of his new life, Jack started a global nonprofit, Penpals United, which offers online support groups to children with type 1 diabetes in resource-poor communities worldwide.
Cividale del Friuli (UD), Italy Urological disorder
'BECOME AN EMPOWERED PATIENT.' Lucia has interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). She decided to donate part of her extra life to advocate for patients to attain an early diagnosis and the best treatments available.
'NEVER GIVE UP.' Natalia was diagnosed with torsion dystonia. She now advocates for people with torsion dystonia and hopes to support rehabilitation programs for patients.
“EVEN THE SMALL THINGS MATTER.” After receiving a new heart valve at the age of 82 due to chronic heart problems, Phil’s life changed for the better and he hopes to expand the positive effect of singing and music on others.
'BE THE AUTHOR OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STORY: YOURS!' Roberta was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 14 years old. She volunteers for a program that offers young people living with diabetes activities, support, and the opportunity to share experiences.
'DON’T FEAR DIVERSITY; EMBRACE IT.' While cross-country skiing, R.T. Rybak had a heart attack. A three-term mayor of Minneapolis, R.T. is using his extra life as a community advocate, serving as president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation and a member of the leadership council of Generation Next.
'IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY. I WILL CARRY AND SUPPORT YOU.' Obesity severely impacted the quality of Victoria’s life for years. Victoria now collaborates with health professionals in the fight against obesity.
'CEASE TO STRUGGLE, AND YOU CEASE TO LIVE.' Yongkuan volunteers at the Chinese Red Cross Foundation and serves as president and co-founder of Jiangsu Parkinson’s Association, raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and its treatment options.
Check out how these incredible individuals have used their extra lives with the help of medical technology.
THE BAKKEN INVITATION 2015
THE BAKKEN INVITATION 2014
THE BAKKEN INVITATION 2013
Andrea Volfova
Bhim Mahat
David Simmonds
Juan Carlos
Hernández Corredera
Kerry Kalweit
Lisa Visser
Qi Zhang
Sheila Vasconcellos
Thomas Okello
Twinkle VanFleet
Tanya Hall
Vincent Browne
Lucilla Bossi
Krystal Boyea
Igor Chamilla
Clint Benson Doyle
Gretchen Merritt
Samantha Petersen
Rajnikant Reshamwala
Haruko Sato
Joan Talkowsky
David Watkins
Art Amman
George Dove
Bruce Harper
Jean-Paul Iyamuremye
Jennifer Jones
Edward Levien
Sara Meslow
Tracy O'Connor
Allison Smith-Conway
Claudia Tecglen
OUR COMMUNITY IS GROWING
TELL US HOW YOU LIVE ON, GIVE ON
WITH THE HELP OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
Share your story with us, and show the world how you are making a difference. For every story, the Medtronic Foundation will donate $10 to Project HOPE.