A Community That Shows Up

As we turn the page on another incredible June Aphasia Awareness Month, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.

Together, our MnCAN community exceeded our fundraising goal, welcomed many first-time donors, and inspired countless new individuals to learn about aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Every conversation you started and every dollar you gave is helping someone living with aphasia find connection, confidence, and hope.

Awareness is about so much more than numbers. It's about changing lives. It's about helping a family feel less alone after a diagnosis. It's about creating communities where communication differences are met with understanding instead of frustration. It's about ensuring that every person living with aphasia knows they still have a voice—and a place to belong.

We are continually humbled by the generosity, compassion, and dedication of this community. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for standing beside individuals and families living with aphasia and PPA.

Because of you, MnCAN continues to grow, reach more people, and remind our community that life after aphasia or PPA is still filled with friendship, purpose, and hope.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jessica Wald & Angie Maier
Co-Executive Directors
Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN)

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Andrea Nelson and Tim Lauth who will officially join the MnCAN Board of Directors this month. Together their professional expertise, leadership, and personal commitment to our mission will help strengthen MnCAN as we continue to grow our impact and create a more connected, understanding, and inclusive community for individuals living with aphasia and PPA. 

We are so grateful to have Andrea and Tim on this journey with us.

We also want to take a moment to recognize two incredible women whose leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have helped shape MnCAN into the organization it is today. Please join us as we thank you to Nancy and Lynette for their years of service.

Thank You, Nancy Zugschwert

Nancy has generously shared her talents, creativity, and enthusiasm with MnCAN over the years. From her exceptional communication and marketing expertise to the countless ideas she has brought to the table, she has helped elevate MnCAN in so many ways. In addition to this, she has been an emcee at our gala bringing warmth, energy, and unforgettable presence. (Join us this year at the gala - she will be back again!)

Nancy, thank you for the time, heart, and dedication you have invested in MnCAN. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your leadership and friendship.

Thank You, Lynette Lamb

Lynette has been a remarkable advocate, fundraiser, connector, and mentor for many years. Through her passion for our mission and her incredible networking and fundraising efforts, she has helped grow MnCAN is many ways. 

Equally meaningful has been the gift of her lived experience. As the care partner of her husband Rob, a stroke survivor, for more than 18 years, Lynette has offered compassion, wisdom, and hope to countless care partners who are just beginning their own journeys. 

Lynette, thank you for leading with both your heart and your experience. Your influence will continue to be felt throughout MnCAN for years to come.

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the June Coffee & Connections social gathering in Roseville. We hosted a gathering for over 35 people from our community - multiple people were new to MnCAN and/or new to Coffee & Connections. Everyone was welcomed with open arms - we all the connections and meaningful conversation.

Thank you to everyone who came, shared stories, made new connections, and helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are grateful for each and every one of you and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Connection matters. Community matters. You matter.

Were you able to watch the "Around Town" interview on Tuesday, June 23rd?

You can watch the interview here!

MnCAN Co-Executive Director, Jessica Wald was interviewed by Carla Beaurline, Local and National TV & Livestream Host, to share information about aphasia, Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), and how MnCAN is supporting individuals and families here in Minnesota.

We love sharing community resources! Urbana Place Senior Living has graciously offered to host a new MnCAN aphasia conversation group and we are excited to collaborate with another community organization. 

"Urbana Place Senior Living is so much more than a place to live; it’s an opportunity to celebrate your independence and live life your way. With the help of our compassionate and respectful caregivers, you’ll find the comfort you deserve while living in the company of good friends and family."

Find out more at their website here: https://urbanaplaceseniorliving.com/

The MnCAN Community has done it again—and we couldn't be more grateful! 

Because of the incredible generosity, passion, and support of our MnCAN family, we not only reached our $15,000 June Aphasia Awareness Month fundraising goal—we exceeded it!

Every donation, every story shared, every fundraiser created, and every act of kindness helped make this achievement possible. Together, you are helping us provide conversation groups, education, care partner support, scholarships, and hope to individuals and families living with aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).

Now it's time to celebrate YOU!

Join us at our July MnCAN Social Event as we come together to celebrate this amazing accomplishment, enjoy time with friends old and new, and thank each of you for making such a meaningful impact.

This celebration belongs to our entire MnCAN community—we can't wait to celebrate with you!

Detailed driving and parking directions will be sent prior to the event. 

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to our    biggest event of the year - this is one you will not want to miss. Our 2026 Break the Barriers for Aphasia Fundraising Gala is coming in October. Tickets will go on sale in early September. 

Join us for an inspiring afternoon filled with live music, silent and live auctions, delicious food and drinks, powerful keynote speakers, and a community coming together for an incredible cause.

Together, we will celebrate connection, raise awareness, and support individuals and families living with aphasia.

Are you able to contribute to the gala auction? Planning is underway for our exciting Silent and Live Auction item packages and we are looking for ideas, basket donations, gift cards, experiences and gala event sponsors. 

Email us if you are able to contribute or have an idea. contact@mncan.org