The Negative Space

02/22/2026

Friday was an incredible day of providing recognition, gifts, and resources to 500 caregivers across the Twin Cities.

02/19/2026

Revolutionize: to change something radically or fundamentally

As a caregiver for my husband, I have spent much of the last 15 years in clinics, hospitals, radiation suites, and infusion rooms. Never have I seen an acknowledgement of my role and the impact it has on every aspect of my life...until now.

Starting tomorrow, 2/20 - National Caregivers Day, clinics, waiting rooms and infusion suites across the state of Minnesota will have signs like this one, recognizing and thanking caregivers for all they do and connecting them directly to the free support and resources of The Negative Space.

One caregiver said, "I never thought I'd see a day like this, where caregivers actually have a callout. Wow."

Another went between giggles and tears as she asked incredulously, "Is that really for me?"

We are so grateful for and for partnering with us on this first-of-its-kind initiative. We will be celebrating this launch with events at 8 clinics and hospitals across the metro tomorrow, National Caregivers Day.

Caregivers: what would it feel like if you saw a sign like this in a health care space?
Supporters: Interested in having signs like these at your organization? Let's talk!

02/17/2026

Yesterday, 10 of our incredible volunteers spent the afternoon packing 400 caregiver gift bags and 100 caregiver boxes that will be distributed across 8 clinics and hospitals this Friday in honor of National Caregiver Day!

3 more volunteers will drive these items to the 8 locations on Thursday and 12 more volunteers will staff the events, handing the gifts to caregivers on Friday. We couldn't do it without them!!!

Even so, we need YOUR help! 185 of the mugs have been sponsored, but we need more sponsors to cover the cost of the rest. Can you spare $18 to allow us to support a caregiver in this way? Donate at the link below. THANK YOU for being part of the story!

https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/Donate

02/16/2026

Ready to think Spring?? Our Spring Fundraiser through Gertens is officially OPEN! Start dreaming of warmer weather as you peruse the catalog of flowers, veggies, fruits, herbs, and even houseplants.

The Negative Space gets 30% of the profits of all plants purchased through our site and 15% for gift cards. It's a win-win! Plus, you get to pick your plants up from us in May, so we get to see you IN PERSON!

Site is open 2/16-3/30 and pick up day is 5/1 in St. Paul. Please share widely. Happy shopping!

https://www.gertensfundraising.com/
CODE 952

02/13/2026

February is Rare Disease Month and our next virtual support group will focus on what it's like caring for someone living with a rare disease - also the topic of our latest episode of the "In Sickness" podcast. Join us on Sunday, February 15 from 6-715pm CT via Zoom. Register below for FREE! We hope to see you there.

Register: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26709

Podcast episode: www.insickness.care

02/12/2026

Allina Health wrote a lovely piece on the work of The Negative Space as well as the exciting initiative we're launching next Friday on National Caregivers Day.

We're thrilled to partner with Allina, HealthPartners, and MHealth Fairview to embed recognition and support for caregivers right in clinic spaces starting next week!

Creating space for caregivers: A new initiative to support those who support others

02/12/2026

"During those years, it was deeply difficult; it was traumatic. And that is every caregiver’s experience, because there is no system, and we have to stand in for an absent system. The result of that is profoundly negative mental health effects on caregivers."

Writer and scholar Laura Mauldin's new book takes on the hidden politics of spousal care.

02/10/2026

EPISODE 126: When Your Loved One Has A Rare Disease

When the person you’re caring for has a rare disease, there can be extra layers of hardship and complexity starting with the challenge of finding a diagnosis. In this episode, Allison shares with Justin what it has been like to care for her husband whose disease is rare and the two discuss what this type of caregiving can look like.

February is Rare Disease Awareness Month and we hope you'll listen, learn, share, and consider joining us for a conversation on this topic on Sunday, February 15 from 6-715pm CT via Zoom.

Listen: www.insickness.care
Register for Support Group: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/26709

02/10/2026

A check in with first hand accounts about the impact on patients, caregivers, and medical staff in the Twin Cities from the ICE occupation in our state.

02/08/2026

Personal update: We are eleven days post-Sean's most recent surgery and we've managed to stay out of the hospital!! (Knock on all the wood!)

Last time he had this surgery we were back at the hospital on day 5 for unmanageable pain and day 10 for pneumonia, so making it to day 11 feels like maybe???? we can start to exhale a bit.

It has still been a hard 11 days full of pain management, working hard to keep him well-hydrated and fed, and being exhausted to the core by it all, all while living in a community that is daily being terrorized by ICE. Our souls are heavy, our hearts are broken, and our bodies are tired. He was supposed to have multiple Mohs procedures this week and we cancelled. He is just not strong enough to undergo more just yet.

We search each day for things to bring us comfort and joy: fire in the fireplace, sloth slippers, a bandana on the dog, very very exciting things coming up at The Negative Space, starting to think about planting seeds, check ins and support from this community. We feel immense gratitude amidst the hard.

Thanks for loving us through it all! 💗

02/07/2026

Join Allison for a FREE webinar this Wednesday, February 11 from 12-1 CT via Zoom.

Hosted by the MN Gerontological Society, Allison's talk will cover the research on the impact of caregiving on the health and well-being of those in the role as well as simple but powerful tools and strategies medical providers, academics, social workers, etc. can employ to support the caregivers they encounter in their work.

Register here: https://www.mngero.org/event-6528343

02/06/2026

2/20/26 is National Caregivers Day and what better time to show some love to the caregivers in your life?

Here are a few simples ideas we came up with, but caregivers - add your ideas in the comments of what would feel helpful or supportive to you from your friends, family, employer, etc. on Caregiver Day or on ANY day of the year!

- send a simple text: "I saw that it's National Caregiver Day and thought of you. Thank you for all you do for your person."

- send a greeting card in the mail - caregivers LOVE getting non-medical mail!

- send a gift card for something like DoorDash that will help take a task off their list

- offer to sit with their loved one so they can have an hour or two to themselves

- drop off or use DoorDash to send dinner or treats

Whatever it is, take moment on 2/20 to send love to caregivers!