December officially marks the start of the 10th anniversary of MnCAN! Ten years ago in December, after six months of putting all the pieces together, MnCAN was officially established as a nonprofit.  A founders team was developed from current volunteers, SLPs, a social worker and a participant with aphasia and their care partner.  What a team!  Dr. Cindy Busch, current emeritus board member, and Julia Halvorson, a former executive director and SLP, paved the way for MnCAN to be born and grow into what it is today. 

 

More to come on MnCAN's history as we celebrate more 10 year anniversaries in 2024! But to start, hear from former executive director Julia Halvorson as she reflects on 10 years of MnCAN...

Over the past 10 years, what stands out to you about MnCAN's journey?


"The Merry Little Band of Rebels" is how past Aphasia Access President, Kathryn Shelley, referred to MnCAN those first few years. This is because we forged ahead with the idea of MnCAN without an initial major benefactor or any knowledge of how to develop or run a
nonprofit... and we did it so successfully. We chose to grow organically these past 10 years, keeping our conversation groups as the mainstay. Over time, I had the opportunity to create innovative programs inspired by ideas or expertise of people with aphasia and care partners. MnCAN's Drama Club, Gavel Club, Young Adult Support group, Care partner Support Group, and MnCAN's PPA programs were all initiated that way."

 

And this is only the start of Julia's reflections of MnCAN.  Stay tuned for more from Julia on her proudest accomplishments, memorable moments, favorite firsts and hopes for MnCAN's future.

 

Look at how MnCAN has grown over the last 10 years. We are thrilled to see this progress and couldn't do it without you and all our community support. We can't wait to see where MnCAN goes in the next 10 years!

 

Did you know Zoom or online meetings can be challenging for people with aphasia?  Consider these helpful tips below from our Board Members, Gus Avenido and Jeannie Bridgeman, both of whom have aphasia.

 

Meet Marilyn Maltby, an active and wonderful participant of MnCAN.  

What year did you join MnCAN?

We joined MnCAN in January 2022, and participated in 'Staying Connected' that winter.

 

What are your hobbies and interests?

After years of gardening native plants, I studied botanical art and came to appreciate that drawing is a form of "deep looking." I retired from a career in marketing, and volunteered as a trained master naturalist to help people of all ages look closely at plants, animals, birds, and natural objects. I am learning to hand sew in a method called thread painting. I like to watch birds; I have several bird feeders outside my windows. 

 

What do you enjoy most about MnCAN?

I have made many wonderful friends in MnCAN...both other people with aphasia and speech pathologists. I especially enjoy the opportunities to have conversations with them, because they understand what we all are going through. 

 

What do you want people to know about aphasia?

Aphasia exists in different flavors. Some people have aphasia suddenly after a stroke. And some people have aphasia that is subtle at first, stealthy as it develops, and insidious. It is hard work to have aphasia! It affects not only the person who has aphasia, but whole families and networks of friends.

 

Registration now open!  Spring 2024 Staying Connected PPA Class

 

Do you know someone with Primary Progressive Aphasia?  Our education program for individuals with PPA and their families starts in February.  See the flyer below for more details. We'd love to support you through your PPA journey.

 

Reach out to a peer, friend, or family member with aphasia over the holiday break. Our conversation groups are currently on break until mid-January to February. Therefore, opportunity for conversation on a weekly basis is limited. We encourage our participants with aphasia to reach out and connect with each other. Here are some ideas to keep on communicating over the break. 

  • Send a MnCAN friend a text to say hello
  • Get together for coffee
  • Send a holiday card
  • Meet for lunch
  • Go to the movies
  • Call a MnCAN friend on Facetime

Reach out to your SLP group facilitator or contact@mncan.org if you need support.  
 
MnCAN Website
 

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