The Negative Space

01/22/2026

01/21/2026

Join us for a free virtual support group for caregivers of all kinds on Sunday, January 25 from 6-715pm CT.

Our topic for the night will be the latest episode of the In Sickness podcast: Caring in the Chaos - Caregiving in Uncertain Times. Listening to the episode is not required!

Hope to see you there.

Register for the session: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26406
Listen to the episode (not required): www.insickness.care

01/20/2026

EPISODE 125:
Caring in the Chaos: Caregiving in Uncertain Times - A conversation with Allison about current events in the Twin Cities

In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what life is currently like in her community with the presence of 2000+ ICE agents, how this intersects with her reality as a caregiver, and how it feels to live in this moment while also preparing for Sean’s upcoming surgery.

We hope you will listen, learn, share, and join us for a virtual conversation on this topic on Sunday, January 25 from 6-7:15pm CT.

Listen: www.insickness.care
Register for conversation: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26406

01/20/2026

The cancer under Sean's tongue has returned and he's headed back to the OR next Thursday, 1/29. The last three times he's had oral surgery, the weeks that have followed have included ER visits, hospitalizations, ambulance rides. We decided to cancel a day of Mohs procedures scheduled for next Tuesday, choosing one cancer surgery over another.

The heaviness we feel knowing what's ahead in addition to living through the nightmare that's occurring in our Twin Cities community is almost too much to bear. Subzero temps don't help either.

Our bright spots come from checking in with our daughter, who is thriving in college, and working towards the launch of The Negative Space 's partnerships with three major health systems next month. There is joy within the hard, but some days it's harder to find than others.

We ask for your support and prayers that this surgery breaks the established pattern and goes smoothly.

01/13/2026

EPISODE 124: The New Year Hits Differently For Caregivers

At the start of a new year, it’s common for people to reflect on the highlights of the last twelve months and to set goals for the year ahead. For caregivers, moments like these can be a stark reminder that our lives are very different from those of our peers.

In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to see our friends’ highlight reels and how it feels to move into another year of caregiving.

Listen and join us for a free virtual support group on this topic on Sunday, 1/18, from 6-715pm CT.

Listen: www.insickness.care
Register for group: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26280

01/10/2026

I received an unexpected gift from my friend this week: this beautiful candle. The phrase etched on the side has been anchoring me since I opened it.

My brain likes to look ahead, to take stock of the knowns and unknowns in front of me, to worry, to fret, to despair over the enormity of it all. But this gift reminds me to slow down, to be present, to be where my feet are.

Whether your week ahead holds scary medical appointments 🙋🏼‍♀️, you are heartbroken over the state of your community 🙋🏼‍♀️, or you just aren't sure what will come next and if you can handle it 🙋🏼‍♀️I invite you to join me in taking it one day - even one moment - at a time. ❤️

And while you're at it, check out the gifts for caregivers my friend offers and perhaps give yourself or a caregiver in your life a much-needed boost.

01/09/2026

01/06/2026

We took December off from medical appointments, but now that it's January we're back at it and I hate it.

Sean is having a g-tube placed today (his third!). He is still able to eat normally, but his kidneys are failing and he's on the verge of needing dialysis. We're going to supplement his fluids at home using the g-tube to try to postpone dialysis as long as we can. It's also a nice back up for the next inevitable oral surgery, so that he can have a way to get nutrition as needed.

December was so dreamy and January feels like it's going to be brutal with weekly appointments, each of which could take us down a hard path. We'd appreciate your love and support as we take it one day at a time.

01/04/2026

The weeks ahead hold a number of appointments and procedures for my husband. Here are three things I'm trying to do to keep myself grounded.

01/04/2026

We are so grateful that AARP MN joined the In Sickness podcast to talk about paid leave!

01/01/2026

Caregivers, if looking back on 2025 brings sorrow and looking ahead to 2026 brings concern, know that The Negative Space is here with and for you today and in the years to come.

While so much is unknown, you can count on us to bring you more episodes of the In Sickness podcast, to offer more virtual support groups, to continue offering 1:1 support, social media content, caregiver gift boxes, and The Storyline.

You are part of the story and we are here for you. *Bright-siding not included.*

12/31/2025

We have big plans for caregiver recognition and support in 2026, including embedding our services in three major health systems! To provide caregivers with the programs that they both need and deserve, WE NEED YOUR HELP.

A generous donor has pledged a $10,000 matching gift for all donations made before the end of the year. Help us unlock this gift with a tax-deductible donation today! Any amount makes a difference in helping us help caregivers in the year ahead.

Want to send a check or a donation from a donor-advised fund and worried it won't arrive on time? Pledges count towards unlocking the match, so reach out at hello@thenegativespace.life and let us know your plan for helping us meet our goal.

Thank you for being part of the story!

https://www.thenegativespace.life/donate/