Hello MnCAN Community,

The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and all of us at MnCAN are feeling an incredible sense of gratitude and excitement this June.

Every day, we witness the power of connection as participants, care partners, volunteers, facilitators, and supporters come together to ensure that individuals living with aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) have a place where they can communicate, learn, build friendships, and belong. Thanks to this amazing community, MnCAN continues to grow and reach more people who need support. In 2026 alone, we have already welcomed more than 40 new participants into our programs.

Today, we have some exciting news to share!

One of our incredibly generous MnCAN participants has stepped forward with a special gift to support our June Aphasia Awareness Month campaign. Because of their generosity, every donation made between now and June 30 will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

That means:

A $50 gift becomes $100
A $250 gift becomes $500
A $500 gift becomes $1,000

If MnCAN has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you love, there has never been a better time to give. Your donation will go twice as far in helping us provide conversation groups, Care Partner Support Groups, PPA programs, education, scholarships, and outreach to individuals and families throughout Minnesota.

Together, we are building a community where no one has to navigate aphasia or PPA alone.

Double the impact. Double the support. Double the hope.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us continue to grow, connect, and change lives.

With gratitude,

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

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the May Coffee & Connections social gathering in Richfield. We hosted a gathering for over 35 people from our community - everyone enjoyed a wonderful morning filled with coffee, treats, laughter, hugs, and meaningful conversation.

What made the event especially memorable was the shared understanding that brings our community together. Aphasia and PPA impact not only the individuals living with them, but also the spouses, daughters, sons, siblings, friends, and care partners who walk alongside them every day.

Whether someone is newly navigating communication challenges or has been on this journey for years, there is something powerful about being in a room filled with people who simply "get it." The empathy, patience, encouragement, and genuine connections that emerge are what make our community so special.

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.

Tune in to this virtual event on Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:00 PM CST as MnCAN Co-Executive Director, Jessica Wald, shares information about aphasia, Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and how MnCAN is supporting individuals and families in Minnesota.

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about a communication disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans yet remains largely misunderstood.

Help us spread awareness by watching - maybe you even will consider hosting a watch party for your friends, family or neighbors. Together, we can create a more informed, patient, and inclusive world for those living with aphasia and PPA.

We hope you'll join us!

Viewing Options:

Facebook: Around Town TV & Around Town Media  https://www.facebook.com/AroundTownMedia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundtowntv/

LinkedIn: Carla Beaurline - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroundtown/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/1etIRENePBE

It is important to be able to share information in an emergency and we know with aphasia or PPA, communication can be difficult in stressful situations.

We have created a 6-page document to help with emergency tips, phone apps, and other important communication tools.  What to do in an emergency with aphasia?

We love sharing community resources! Lyngblomsten Community Services has shared helpful information about the resources, support and services they offer. 

Lyngblomsten Community Services provides Caregiver Support for anyone supporting a spouse, partner, parent, friend, or neighbor who is living with memory loss or a chronic condition. 

The Gathering is an award-winning group respite program that provides enrichment to adults with memory loss and a four-hour break for their family caregivers.

Angie Maier and Jessica Wald, MnCAN Directors, would love to invite you to join us for coffee in Roseville. Come purchase your coffee and join us for conversation!

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.

Want to contribute? We are starting to collect ideas for Silent and Live Auction item packages, and we are looking for sponsors. 

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