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“Embrace What’s Difficult.” & 5 Ways to Give Back +$100 Gift Card Giveaway to help you do it!

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This Giveaway has Ended!  The Winner has been Notified! 
Imagine if you have faced a life threatening illness and made it through. This has not happened to me, but who knows when it could.  My amazing cousin had cancer when she was little, and has spent many hours giving back by supporting the organizations that helped her get through her hard time. She has been an inspiration to me!

This world is full of challenges, some of which are life threatening health problems. I am excited to tell you about 10 amazing people who after overcoming their own illnesses turned around and gave back to their community!

These 10 honorees from around the world were chosen by Medtronic Bakken Invitation. The Bakken Invitation celebrates and connects people who, with the help of medical technology, have overcome health challenges and are making a difference in their communities. The foundation awards 10 Bakken Invitation Honorees a $20,000 grant from a Medtronic philanthropy to a charity of their choice.

The thing that inspired me about these honorees was that they have all overcome a life-changing medical challenge, and have realized the true brevity of life. These people had could have come home and lived their life  like before their health problem, but they didn’t. They realized that they were given a second chance at life and they wanted to live it to it’s fullest!

These are each of their Lessons they learned. Click HERE to read each of their stories.

One of the 10 people that inspired me the most was Sami. You have got to go read her full story HERE! When Sami was 11 years old she was diagnosed with scoliosis.  She loved to swim and had a dream of swimming in the Olympics, but her dream ended when at age 13 she couldn’t swim any more and could hardly stand without extreme difficulty. In 2012 she had to have spinal fusion surgery to correct the curve in her spine. She has now turned her passion and physical freedom into SHIFT Scoliosis, an organization she created to provide screenings and support for all people with spinal conditions. The reason her story hits home was because when I was in high school I was a runner and struggled with slight scoliosis and was in a lot of pain after every run.  And her theme “Embracing what is Difficult” was exactly what I had to do.

 

I love her words of encouragement to others, “There were many days on my journey with progressive scoliosis when I felt as if all was going against me – countless medical appointments; the ongoing progression and deterioration of my body; and the pain of being stared at, laughed at, and made fun of. It was overwhelming and hard to deal with as a younger teen. “I want everyone with a spinal deformity, with any medical condition, to feel validated and to know how perfect, strong and brave they are. I want them to know they are not alone, and to never give up.” What an amazing young lady she is.

I think sometimes giving back seems difficult, but we need to embrace it, and go for it and try to reach out and help others. For some, it can be overwhelming or intimidating to hear about grandiose charity events or foundation projects around the world, it is to me, and I wish I could support all of them. We need to remember that everyone has something they can contribute to their community, and there’s no better time than right now to make it happen.

We don’t need a life-altering moment to start giving back. There are little ways we can give back and make a difference, especially during this Christmas Season. Here are 5 ways I came up with to Give Back!

 5 Ways to Give Back to Your Community
  1. Help a family get back on their feet after difficult times – We have had others do this for us and I can’t even tell you how much it made a difference in our life.
  2. Donate items needed in hospitals – Many hospitals are in need of blankets, hats, toys and other items to help children get through their time at the hospital
  3. Donate Food & Clothing to shelters– This is a great thing to do all year long. Families are in and out of shelters and donations are always needed.
  4. Donate your time by serving at a local soup kitchen or food bank – We are going to be doing this on the 22nd with our kids. I hope that they feel the spirit of service and giving.
  5. Donate to donation jars – These are all over town, when you have spare change or even dollar bills drop it in there and help support the organizations that are putting them together.
 $100 Gift Card Giveaway! 

How do you help give back? Do you wish you could do more?  One lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to use to help in their efforts to give back to their community. If you are the winner you’re free to choose how the money is spent, but it should benefit the community in some way. Giveaway ends December 31th at Midnight.

To enter, check out the honorees here and tell me which one inspires you and what you would like to do to make an impact in your community with the $100.


Thank you to Medtronic for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to give back to my community!

Comments

  5. Sami’s story is so powerful! Our church helps recovering moms get back on their feet by providing housing and support. I would use it to buy items their children need! Or to provide healthy meals for them!

  6. I think Haruko Sato was an uplifting story; her determination to undergo surgery to help control her condition. I help my community by donating regularly to our food bank and thrift stores that take the money to care for the elderly in hospices in our area.
    jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com

  7. I liked DAVID WATKINS’ story the best because it was touching and I like his cause and his determination.
    I donate a lot of clothing that we no longer need as well as food/toiletry all the time.
    prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com

  9. Haruko Sato inspires me the most. Her determination of getting better and helping others is so powerful and resonating. I’ll like to use $100 to get coats for local shelters.

  11. The page with the stories on it is unavailable, but I would love to use it to buy Christmas presents for some children that are in Family Promise. This program helps provide stability for families experiencing homelessness.

  12. Haruko Sato inspires me the most. I think I would donate food to my local soup kitchen. Also, $100 feeds everyone a dinner for one day at this kitchen, which is a program that I like to donate to also.

    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

  14. So hard to choose one, Gretchen story is a great one. I am a girl scout leader and we do a lot of service projects for our community. Right now we are working with an organization that help abused women.

  16. Gretchen Merritt moved me the most as I hate slavery. I give back all of them time by giving out gifts around the holidays and also giving away items to Freecycle.

  18. Wow, all of these amazing people inspire me to go after my goals and do good for others. I like David Watkins determination to overcome his obstacles and start running again. I love to do things for people that are least expecting it. I would like to make care packages for people in my grandma’s nursing home. I would include a nice card, a treat, and maybe a picture drawn by my sons. I know it would brighten their day.

  22. Lucilla Bossi inspires me the most! I’d love to spend this on snack foods for our local sheriffs office to have while working long hours and don’t have time to take a meal break. I’d also like to buy items they can give out to toys to children who are involved in domestic disputes to cheer a child up while on scene with them.

  24. Clint inspires me. He is one year younger than me and has lived through many health challenges. I like how he helps others find their creative Side to help healing. I would love the $100 for art supplies for my family and community

  25. Oh wow, this is a really neat giveaway. I think Clint Benson Doyle inspires me the most. I always think it’s important to inspire and cultivate young children’s futures. If I were to win, I hope no one thinks this is selfish, I would just pay a couple of my Grandma’s bills. Ever since my Papa died, she has struggled to get by. She is going to be 80 next June and she is desperately trying to get a job somewhere just to survive. It hurts my heart to see her struggle, and I pitch in whenever I can but times are tough for us all. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

    mimi.rawks@gmail.com

  27. Krystal Boyea inspires me. I would like to give back by helping at the children’s hospital where my daughter spent her first three months of life.

  28. Haruko Sato inspires me. I have deep respect for those with differences and their journey in learning to cope and deal with them. I would use the money to help kids with differences in our community be able to get better access to more support.

  29. I am a swimmer,too, so I was inspired by Samantha’s story. I’ll give to the Easter Seals Warm Water Therapy Pool.
    Thanks for the contest.

    slehan at juno dot com

  30. Re: OMG, Krystal Boyea inspires me. I help animals & kids. Wow, prize Visagc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the visa gc to shop and eat again.

  32. Gretchen Merritt inspires me by going outside the comforts of the US and helping under privileged people. I would like to give back to the homeless who have lost their livelihoods for whatever reason.

  34. KRYSTAL BOYEA

    Her story inspired me. They all had an inspirational story. I liked that once Krystal found herself, her goal was to love herself and give life, a purpose.

    With the money, I’d donate it to public schools. There are a couple school districts that are going to cut government funding which cuts out lots of programs/material for our children in the community.

  35. I understand where Rami is saying. Last year I had a bad stroke and was not expected to ever leave the hospital. 2 weeks later I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which turned out to be MAC disease, a painful bacterial growth which was slowly consuming my right lung. I received a lot of help from the nurses, therapists and my husband and slowly fought my way back. I am at home and able to do a lot of what I used to do, but am still fighting the Mac disease. To show my appreciation, I have donated books and toys to the hospital and praise the hospital staff to everyone I am talking to.

  37. I REALLY like gretchens story. She has overcome some serious health issues. They have never held her back and I love that she never gave up either. I try to do something nice for someone every single day. I also like to give to the needy. donate at my local shelter and serving food to the homeless.

    amypugmire@live.com

  40. Im inspirred by Samantha Peterson for her work with Scoliosis. I cant imagine having the condition as a young woman. School kids are so cruel and Im sure she went through a lot of bullying. Im inspired to talk more to my grandkids and their friends about bullying. It can come to an end.

  45. Clint Benson Doyle inspires me! Despite all he’s been through, he’s making an effort to help children. I think this is so important. I volunteer at our local food bank and I see hungry children and families all the time. I would love to use this gift card toward donating food to the bank.

  50. Joan Talkowsky inspired me. Stepping out of “your cirlce” is important step to helping other people. I am planning on stepping out in 2015. I am not sure what it will be, but I will figure out something. chefl@swbell.net

  51. Haruko Sato’s story inspires me the most and I’d use the money to buy items to donate to a local shelter near me that I donate to often. I’d probably get food items.
    cbythesea5@gmail dot com

  52. Samantha Peterson. I also have scolosis and herniated disc/ sciatic pain in lower pain so I relate to her. The fact she started an organization to help others is wonderful. I would donate food to local food bank St Rafael’s since food donations are scarce. They need help!

  53. Its really great how all of the stories are different but are the same as each has a special way of helping and giving .Gretchen’s story is to help veterans as they have given so much as I would hope to give to them one at a time if only a little gift but what they have done and continue to do is way priceless.I donate what I can to different walks of life at any given time.

  55. I think Gretchen’s story most touched me. I like to try to give back to my community in whatever way I can. Sometimes I find that very hard to do.

  60. Gretchen Meritt is tackling a huge, difficult issue and has dealt with diabetes- that’s inspiring. I would use the gift card to purchase toys for the holidays for kids less fortunate.

  63. Haruko Sato’s story inspired me the most and I would use that money to buy more cat food and treats to help feed the neighborhood cats in need.

  66. They were all powerful stories but I was moved by Haruko Sato.

    All these stories make me want to end the stigma about mental illness, which I try to do daily by being open about my disorders and helping others.

  67. I love Clint ‘ story because he has taken to helping special needs kids. My aunt and best friend’s sister both are special needs. Helping at special needs Olympics each year is a privilege but they are always in need of more donations of time and money so I would probably donate the money to them if I won.

    bethwillis01@gmail.com

  68. Mumbai, India
    Charity: Sleeping Children Around the World

    I liked that he still kept volunteering and giving back even after a major health issue.

    I do a lot of volunteer work helping connect others to nature in our area. I would use this money for materials at a local nature center.

  69. I really liked Joan T’s story. She was giving of her time when she found out about her heart condition. What a selfless act. I would love to help those who are dealing with mental health, such as depression or suicide. Thanks for the chance to win.

  71. All the stories are inspiring, but I really like Hareko’s.

    I would use the money to help a family member who is going through a rough spot.

  72. Lucilla Bossi’s story inspires me (they all do, really). She’s been dealing with Parkinson’s for THIRTY years!! Wow. I would love to help my community by donating to our local community organizations (like the food pantry and the Battered Women’s Shelter), whether it’s food, clothing, household items, money, or my time and talents.

    wowknk at gmail dot com

  73. Lucilla Bossi is really inspirational. Keeping busy does help keep you focused on what is important. We love giving to our church’s food pantry: Kings Pantry.

  74. JOAN TALKOWSKY story inspired me as did many others stories….here in our little comminity we do many things to help out everyone in the comminity from cancer benefits to children needing the basic need to christmas celebrations for families needing presents as well as dinners…

  80. I really liked Joan Talkowsky’s story. I love her motto of “repairing the world.” She is so dedicated helping others. I was inspired by the fact that one of her first concerns after realizing there was something wrong with her was how she would be able to continue volunteering. I would enjoy using the money to buy toys and clothes to donate.

  84. I liked Samantha’s story as well because one of my friends is the one that started the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We went to college together and it has been hard to see all of the changes in him. But when people get together for a good cause, it’s totally worth it!

  85. Oh they are all such wonderful stories! The one that touched me the most was GRETCHEN MERRITT! My little brother was also diagnosed at a young age with type 1 diabetes. She is so inspiring!
    landfjacobson @ charter . net

  86. What incredible people! I really like the story of Rajnikant Reshamwala and his cause of helping homeless children. With my $, I would donate it to the local family resource center to help low-income children succeed in school.

  88. Joan Talkowsky story really stuck out to me. With the 100 dollars I would like to help the community park. It is run down and need of new equipment. Our little community has been raising money to get this done.

  89. Sami’s story inspired me as I know about the challenges with scoliosis myself. I would like to donate books to the local libraries in my area.

    kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

  91. 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

  92. 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

  93. 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)

  95. $100 would go a long way at my daughters school! Her teacher is always looking for donations of supplies for the classroom. I’d love to help her out!

    And I love Rajnikant Reshamwala’s message. Seriously, if we CAN help, why don’t we! Such a simple way to live, but so impactful!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  99. I also like Samantha Petersen’s story! I have often thought I would love to donate more for children in shelter’s and give toys clothes and other goodies for them on Christmas (as well as for their parents!)

  100. I forgot to say what I would use the $100 for. I would probably find a family in need and help them with their needs. Also, you must tell me how the soup kitchen went and how to sign up. Not sure if my other comment posted, but I said that I was inspired by Clint’s story and how despite his heart problem, he still lives each day for others and uses his gifts to bless and help others discover their gifts.

  102. 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.

  103. I really love Lucilla’s story. One of my close friends had Parkinson’s and seeing her go through all of the symptoms of this disease was heartbreaking.

    I currently volunteer with the Red Cross and would use the money to help this organization grow.

    julimi(@)aol(.)com