June Is Aphasia Awareness Month!

MnCAN is the only non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota dedicated to improving the lives of people living with aphasia. June is a special month to honor the hard work and dedication of those impacted by aphasia. Our programs are flourishing and strong thanks to a wonderful community of participants,

care partners and supporters.  

The June Aphasia Awareness Month campaign is our second largest fundraising campaign of the year.

This month also is a time for us to share aphasia education. We know that aphasia impacts the

entire family and more than just the

person living with aphasia.

Will you help us raise $10,000 (or more) in June? Your generous support enables us to continue to grow.

Stay tuned to our social media and email updates all month long. Please spread the word, raise awareness, and help our MnCAN community! 

We plan to inspire you all month long by introducing you to the people who inspire us.

Demonstrating positivity and determination, we first want you to meet the Randall family. Tom and Barb Randall are valued participants of the MnCAN community and have found hope and connection here. 

Please read the highlights of their journey with aphasia.

Tom's Aphasia Journey 

On November 28, 2018, life changed for the entire Randall family.  While Tom was on his way to work, he experienced stroke-like symptoms and was taken to North Memorial Hospital.  Tom had suffered a moderate stroke and was recovering rapidly.  Three days later, he had a massive stroke which resulted in right-sided paralysis, apraxia, and aphasia.  Tom spent over a month in the hospital doing rehabilitation with the support of his family.

Upon returning home, the Randall family received help from family, friends, and neighbors. He attended outpatient therapy for over two years. He had to relearn how to walk, talk, write, and read. Although Tom was always up for a challenge, he commented that recovering from a stroke was the hardest work he had done in his lifetime. 

Fast forward to today, Tom can help with light housekeeping duties and helps Barb at home; including spending time with his grandsons.  

Tom and Barb, pictured with their family in 2023.  

The Positive Impact of MnCAN

Tom has been a part of MnCAN for over two years. He regularly attends two MnCAN groups: a conversation group and coffee club group. He and his family notice that his conversation continues to improve. He comments on how fellow participants support each other, offer tips and pointers to communicate better.  Group participants take turns hosting each week with the help of the group facilitator and college students.  Tom loves to share a weekly sports update as he follows every MN sports team.  

In his weekly MnCAN conversation group, Tom sets a life participation goal and works hard to accomplish the goal. He loves meeting new people and getting to know them better. Tom loves to talk, even as difficult as it is for him. He spends hours preparing and practicing conversation and is successful due to his MnCAN friendships.  

In the weekly Tuesday morning MnCAN Coffee Club group, participants share how their about their week and discuss events near and far.  Group participants support for each other and Tom is sometimes fortunate enough to share a smiling grandson with the group, bringing brightness and smiles to everyone's day.

Tom's wife, Barb, attends the monthly MnCAN care partner support group where she has received valuable advice and helpful resources from the group facilitators and other care partners going through similar circumstances.   

Tom and Barb feel very fortunate for the conversational opportunities, support and increased confidence from attending MnCAN programs while going through this new adventure of living life after a stroke.

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