Day 15 of MnCAN’s 30 Days of Life with Aphasia — Meet Chris!
At just 45 years old, Chris, a native of Eden Prairie, MN, experienced a massive, life-changing stroke. A veteran of the Air National Guard, graduate of St. Cloud State University, and talented IT engineer, Chris had recently purchased his dream lake home and was settling into a life he had worked incredibly hard to build.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
Since 2020, Chris has been wheelchair-bound. Dream home… gone. Successful career…gone. The years following his stroke were filled with exhausting rehabilitation, relearning daily tasks many of us take for granted, and facing perhaps his greatest challenge of all: communicating the intelligent thoughts and emotions still very much alive inside him.
For years, Chris could only say one word: “yes.”
Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say—but being unable to express it.
As communication became harder, isolation quietly took hold. Friendships faded. Connections to coworkers disappeared. Depression settled in. Like so many individuals living with aphasia, Chris began to feel invisible to the world around him.
But his story did not end there.
Because of the persistence and care of friends, family, therapists, and his legal guardian, Chris was eventually connected to specialized therapists, supportive living resources, companion care, and reconnection to friends and colleagues, and finally—to MnCAN.
And connection truly changed everything for Chris.
Today, in 2026, Chris is communicating more than he once thought possible. He participates in his MnCAN group, has formed meaningful friendships, and knows he is no longer alone in this journey. Every single day, he continues working hard, growing stronger, and reclaiming pieces of his life that once felt lost forever.
Why does this matter?
Because: Chris is one of millions of Americans living with aphasia. He is young. He is intelligent. He is capable. And like so many others, what he needed most was not pity—he needed connection, understanding, patience, and community.
That is what MnCAN provides.
Kindness reaches far beyond a single moment. When we slow down to truly listen, encourage, and support one another, we help create a community where people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Sometimes a little extra patience or a simple “I see you” can make all the difference. Through your support of MnCAN, these moments of hope and connection happen every single day.
Do you feel inspired by Chris’s story? We would love to have you share about MnCAN and our mission with your network. The more people can understand aphasia and PPA, the better our community can be.
Help others like Chris find support, hope, and meaningful connection through MnCAN’s community.
With your financial support, we can continue expanding our reach to serve more individuals and families living with aphasia, PPA, and communication challenges across Minnesota.
Your generosity helps provide connection, conversation groups, education, advocacy, and a place where people feel seen, understood, and valued.
Together, we can remind people they are not alone.
Make a difference for people like Chris: https://givebutter.com/mncan-june-aphasia-awareness-month-2026?blm_aid=80575489
