Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) announced today that it is seeking applications for the 2015 Bakken Invitation Award, a global program honoring and connecting people who have overcome health challenges with the help of medical technology and are now selflessly giving back to their communities.

Currently in its third year, the Bakken Invitation Award will honor ten inspirational people who use their “extra life” — gained through the help of medical technology — to serve others. Each honoree earns a $20,000 charitable grant from Medtronic Philanthropy to be donated to a nonprofit organization of his or her choice and a trip to a celebration event in Hawaii with Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken.

The Bakken Invitation awarded 10 honorees in 2013 and 10 in 2014.  See their stories and more at www.LiveOnGiveOn.org.   

“My dream is that Medtronic can inspire millions of people to use their ‘extra life’ to make a positive difference in the world,” says Earl Bakken, co-founder of Medtronic. “After I received my first pacemaker, I realized that I had indeed been given the gift of extra time. I want to ask everyone who is in a similar situation, ‘What will you do with your extra life?’”

To qualify for the Bakken Invitation Award, applicants 14 years or older must use a medical device therapy to treat the following disease categories: heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, spinal disorders, or neurological, gastroenterology and urological disorders. All applicants with eligible medical technology, regardless of device manufacturer, can apply or be nominated. Applicants must have an established relationship of involvement with a legal nonprofit organization for six months or more.

Applications for the 2015 Award will be accepted until July 31, 2015. To apply or nominate someone for this honor, visit www.LiveOnGiveOn.org. A selection committee will review all nominations, and applicants will be notified in September.

Medtronic also hosts a global online community where patients can share how they are giving back after receiving extra life from a medical device. At www.LiveOnGiveOn.org, they can connect with other people who share similar health conditions and charitable passions in their hometown and around the world.  For every story shared, Medtronic Philanthropy will donate $10 to Project HOPE to help ensure that medical technology is available in underserved communities around the world. Project HOPE provides medical training and health education and conducts humanitarian assistance programs in more than 35 countries.

See how 2014 Honorees are making a difference with their “extra life”:  Bakken Invitation 2014

And follow the program and stay inspired with real-time updates on Facebook.com/LiveOnGiveOn and on Twitter with the hashtag #LiveOnGiveOn.

About Medtronic Philanthropy 

Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the global leader in medical technology -- alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Medtronic

Medtronic

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We lead global healthcare technology and boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 90,000+ passionate people. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world.

In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary.

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