Participant Stories

“Living with aphasia can be lonely. But it doesn't have to be. Lisa finds friendship and support through MnCAN's Aphasia Conversation Group and Coffee Chat.”
Portrait of Lisa
Lisa
Participant
“I am so grateful to be part of this supportive community and to connect with others going through the same experiences. We live to communicate!”
Julie and her mother Marilyn
Participants in MnCAN's PPA Support Group
“Laughing, talking, and laughing again.”
Portrait of Rob
Rob
Participant
“It's a big help... We found our people, we found people who knew what we were talking about... and that was huge for both of us.”
Eugene & Nancy
PPA Participant & Care Partner
“I enjoy going for walks and being around other people. I also really enjoy talking with people, but PPA has made that very difficult, but I try anyway. What brings me joy is when I can communicate at all with others. Also, what pleases me is the help from my brother Alan, my caregiver and the person I lean on and love.”
An older woman with short gray hair sits at a restaurant table, resting her chin on one hand and smiling gently toward the camera. A glass of water and folded napkin sit on the table in front of her, while sunlight streams through large windows in the background.
RuthAnn
PPA Participant
“It doesn’t matter if you have aphasia from a stroke or you have PPA—we are all coming together to support each other, connect, and it is so meaningful.”
Mary
MnCAN Participant
“It has been nice to meet other people with this rare disease...we know we are not alone. We feel so blessed to have found a group like MnCAN.” ~Julie
“I’m learning to focus on what I can do, not just what’s changing.” ~Dan
A smiling couple poses for a selfie outdoors on a sunny hillside overlooking white buildings and cliffs along a coastal village. The woman wears a straw hat and pink sleeveless top, while the man wears a patterned shirt and white baseball cap. Other tourists and scenic architecture appear in the background.
Julie and Dan
MnCAN Care Partner and PPA Participant
"One thing I enjoy most about this group is that people don't look at me with prejudice. Having an 'invisible disability' is difficult because most people have no idea I have a condition called aphasia. They often lose patience, thinking a word should be easy to recall when it is actually very difficult for us. Because this group is filled with people who have speech therapy backgrounds, they understand our condition. The extra patience they show is truly beneficial."
A young man stands near a waterfront at sunset, holding sunglasses and looking off into the distance. Sailboats float on calm water behind him, while the sky glows with orange, pink, and purple sunset colors.
Kee
MnCAN Participant
“MnCAN is a positive experience, I enjoy lots of friendships.”
A smiling man wearing glasses and a white Minnesota Gophers camouflage hoodie stands indoors in front of a light-colored wall with a holiday wreath hanging in the background.
Bruce
MnCAN Participant
“MnCAN is great because I hear other people with aphasia like me. I know it’s good for you to be around these people.”
Four women sit together at a round banquet table smiling toward the camera during a community or social event. Glasses of water, plates, and printed programs rest on the table, while other attendees and softly lit meeting-room décor appear in the background.
Anne
MnCAN Participant

For questions or registration information, call us at 612-524-8802.

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