Mncan

09/01/2026

The MnCAN Break the Barriers for Aphasia Gala is more than a fundraiser—it is a powerful reflection of the lives we touch and the community we have built together.

Imagine having your life turned upside down by a stroke, brain injury, or another medical condition that affects your ability to communicate. Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say, but being unable to get the words out.
Your thoughts are still there.
Your intelligence is still there.
Your personality is still there.
Your memories, humor, opinions, and stories are still within you.
But suddenly, the way you connect, interact, and show the world who you are has changed.

For people living with aphasia, apraxia, or primary progressive aphasia, this can be incredibly isolating and frustrating. The person hasn’t changed. Their ability to communicate has.

When individuals and families first come to MnCAN, they are often overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain about the future. They are navigating a diagnosis that has taken so much—and they may not yet know where to turn.
We meet them in that moment.

We welcome them into a warm, understanding community. We walk alongside them through every stage of their journey. Through education, connection, support, and meaningful opportunities to communicate, we help ensure that no one has to face aphasia or primary progressive aphasia alone.
Here, people find others who truly understand. They build friendships, share experiences, discover new possibilities, and lift one another up in ways that only this kind of community can.

The impact is profound. The connections are lasting. And the hope that is restored is truly priceless.

We invite you to join us in person and experience the magic of the MnCAN family. Meet the people whose lives are being changed, hear their stories, and see firsthand why this community means so much.
We can't wait to see you at the Gala.

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/breakbarriers2026/

08/31/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Coffee & Connections gathering in Maple Grove!

We welcomed 30 people from our MnCAN community, including several people who were brand new to MnCAN! It was wonderful to see new faces, catch up with friends, share stories, laugh, and connect.

And the connections reached beyond our group! Even people in the dining area stopped to ask about MnCAN and shared that they knew someone living with aphasia who could benefit from learning about our community.

These gatherings continue to grow, and we are so excited about the momentum, connection, and sense of community happening within MnCAN!

We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you and look forward to many more opportunities to come together.

Connection matters. Community matters. YOU matter.

08/26/2026

Celebrating Mark Hallen 💙

If you’ve been part of MnCAN for a while—or joined us at one of our social events—you’ve likely seen or met Mark Hallen.

Mark is a warm, generous and incredible stroke survivor living with aphasia, and we are so grateful that he is part of the MnCAN community as one of our amazing volunteers.

Every week, Mark volunteers with one of our in-person conversation groups and virtual Coffee Club. ☕️

Mark’s impact extends beyond those weekly groups. He has served as a greeter at our annual fundraising events, helping new participants feel welcomed, comfortable and a little less nervous about taking that first step into the MnCAN community. He has a gift for making people feel like they belong—and that is something truly special.

Mark is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. He regularly keeps our MnCAN team informed about community opportunities and events, including Spokes Fighting Strokes, and he is actively involved with the stroke survivor group at North Memorial.

Mark gives his time, his energy, his experience and, most importantly, his heart.
We are incredibly grateful for all that Mark does to make MnCAN a more welcoming, connected and inclusive community. ❤️

Thank you, Mark, for showing up, speaking up and helping others feel less alone. We are so lucky to have you on the MnCAN team! 💙

08/26/2026

Did you know there is a podcast dedicated to aphasia?

Check out this recent episode on AphasiaAccess as they talk about self-determination and recovery after a stroke.

What helps you stay motivated and determined?

🎧 Now available: New Podcast Episode! Katie Strong interviews Dr. Vivian Fu about Taking Charge After Stroke, an innovative, evidence-based program rooted in self-determination. Discover how empowering people to lead their recovery can make a lasting difference. Listen today 👉️ https://aphasiaaccess.libsyn.com/

08/21/2026

Our friend Marilyn is such an inspiration to our MnCAN community!

Marilyn is an active participant in our Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) programs, support groups, conversation groups, and Aphasia Book Club. She lives with Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech and has become a powerful advocate, educator, mentor, and voice for others living with communication challenges.
Marilyn’s commitment extends far beyond MnCAN. She has also been actively involved with the National Aphasia Association, helping bring greater awareness, understanding, and information about aphasia and PPA to as many people as possible.

We are incredibly grateful for all that Marilyn gives to others—and for everything she shares with our community. She has a remarkable ability to encourage, educate, and inspire those around her, and she is a true mentor to so many.
In the words of Marilyn:
“I have trouble talking because . . .
I have PPAOS.
I am an advocate for research and awareness of primary progressive apraxia of speech. The last few years I've been journaling my journey through trouble talking. Later, I decided to write a memoir. The book turned in to this blog: keepingavoicewhilelosingmyspeech.blogspot.com
It's live right now. You can share the blog with anyone or everyone!”

Marilyn, we are so proud to know you and so thankful you are part of the MnCAN family! 💙
Your strength, determination, generosity, and advocacy make a difference every single day.

08/13/2026

Understanding Aphasia, Apraxia & Dysarthria

Aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria are all communication disorders, but understanding the differences between them can sometimes be confusing.
Aphasia affects a person’s ability to understand and/or use language. It can impact speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Apraxia of speech affects the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate the movements needed to produce speech. A person may know exactly what they want to say but have difficulty getting the sounds and words out correctly.

Dysarthria occurs when weakness or impaired coordination of the muscles used for speech affects how clearly a person can speak. Speech may sound slurred, slow, quiet, or difficult to understand.

A person may experience one, two, or all three of these communication disorders. When they occur together, communication can become especially difficult and frustrating.

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), along with other medical professionals, can evaluate and diagnose these communication disorders. SLPs can also provide treatment and strategies to help individuals communicate as effectively as possible.

Understanding the difference between these disorders helps us better understand what a person may be experiencing—and, most importantly, reminds us to be patient, supportive, and willing to communicate in different ways.
Communication may look different, but everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, understood, and included.

08/11/2026