October Reflections: Change and Connections

As autumn settles in and the colors change around us, we are reminded of the beauty of transition — a perfect time to pause and reflect on how change can be beautiful in a new way.

We know that life with aphasia or primary progressive aphasia changes a lot of things in life and opens the door to new relationships. MnCAN wants to be part of that journey and help connect people together with  new friendships and new support. With every conversation, event, and connection; we move closer to a world where communication challenges does not mean isolation.

As we move into the changing of seasons, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on what MnCAN means to you — and how, together, we continue to grow stronger as a community. At the bottom of this newsletter, we have an invitation for you to share about how MnCAN has changed your journey.

Cheering for you,

Jessica Wald and Angie Maier
MnCAN Executive Directors and Speech-Language Pathologists

We know how important it is for our participants and families to connect with others who truly understand the journey. Building connections and reducing isolation are at the heart of MnCAN, and our monthly community gatherings have already been so rewarding for everyone involved.

We would love for you to join us THIS Friday, October 24 at the Lunds & Byerlys in Woodbury to connect with other people living successfully with aphasia or primary progressive aphasia. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

MnCAN has strong relationships with local community-based organizations and we are excited to announce a few upcoming opportunities for you to be involved and receive valuable education. Read below for details on getting connected to these wonderful events.

Stroke INSPIRE Conference on Saturday, October 25, 2025

An empowering day for stroke survivors, care partners, and professionals. MnCAN will be on-site to share information on our programs. This event is FREE! Register Here

Minnesota Stroke Association Statewide Stroke Conference on Thursday, November 6, 2025

A conference dedicated to providing learning opportunities for professions in the stroke care field. MnCAN will be on-site as an event sponsor and sharing information about our aphasia at our table. Come say hello!  Register Here

Care Partners are equally important in our MnCAN community.  We asked Ed's wife, Dorothy, what MnCAN means to them as a couple:  

"Our family situation involves living long-term with aphasia, as my husband's stroke and ensuing aphasia diagnosis were nearly two decades ago. We were living in a different state, where aphasia support was nonexistent beyond the initial speech therapy support.

When we moved to Minnesota and found MNCAN, Ed had already resigned himself to a future of "status quo", that his communications would never improve further. We signed him up for a twelve-week group two years ago and have never looked back. His weekly group is an important social support as well as aphasia support. He really misses everyone when the group is on break, which tells me how much it means to him. We are grateful to be part of the MNCAN family."

Did you know MnCAN has new shirts and travel mugs? These are designed specifically for the aphasia and PPA communities.

Every purchase helps spread awareness and education in your community. Show your MnCAN pride and help spread awareness!

Check out our merchandise here