MnCAN Break the Barriers Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year
The MnCAN Break the Barriers for Aphasia Gala is more than a fundraiser - it is a powerful reflection of the lives we touch and the community we’ve built together.
Imagine having your life turned upside down by a stroke, brain injury, or another medical condition that affects your ability to communicate with the world around you.
Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say - but being unable to get the words out.
Your thoughts are still there.
Your intelligence is still there.
Your personality is still there.
Your memories, your humor, your opinions, your stories—all still within you.
But suddenly, the way you connect, interact, and show the world who you are has changed.
For many people living with aphasia, apraxia, or primary progressive aphasia, this can feel incredibly isolating and frustrating. The person hasn’t changed. Their ability to communicate has.
And that’s where understanding, patience, support, and community can make all the difference.
We believe that every person deserves to be heard, understood, valued, and included—no matter how difficult communication becomes.
And that’s where everything begins to change.
When individuals and families first come to MnCAN, they are often overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain about the future. They are navigating a diagnosis that has taken so much—and they don’t yet know where to turn.
We meet them in that moment.
We welcome them into a warm, understanding community. We walk alongside them through every stage of their journey. We provide education, connection, and support—ensuring they never have to face aphasia or primary progressive aphasia alone.
Here, they find others who truly understand. They build relationships, share experiences, and lift one another up in ways that only this kind of community can offer.
The impact is profound.
The connections are lasting.
And the hope that is restored is truly priceless.
Won't you join us in person to see how magical and special our MnCAN family truly is?
Attire: Dress to celebrate! Business casual to wedding attire (formal attire not required).
Check-in: Begins at 2:00 PM. Please arrive no earlier than 2:00 PM, as our team will be putting the finishing touches on the event and preparing to welcome you!
Schedule of Events:
2:00 - 3:15 PM - Social Hour
Cocktail/Social Hour
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar
Bid on items in Silent Auction (online and in-person)
Silent auction bidding ends promptly at 3:15 pm CST
3:15-3:30 Guests take their seats in main event room
3:30 - 5:00 PM - Seated Program
Welcome from our amazing emcee Nancy Z!
MnCAN updates from Executive Directors Angie and Jessica
Keynote speakers, Kee Shen Yim and Mary Ehmke, will share their heartfelt journeys of living with aphasia and PPA.
