The Negative Space

11/27/2025

"Morally, we owe dignity to those who keep loved ones safe at home. Pragmatically, supporting caregivers prevents hospital readmissions, delays costly institutionalization and keeps experienced workers attached to the labor market. Supporting family caregivers is an investment that pays America back in health, social stability and economic sense.

To every family caregiver reading this: Thank you and God Bless you. You are not failing if you struggle. You are not selfish if you need a break. There are communities, services and public officials who want to help. This immensely difficult work can and should be a bit easier."

Let us give thanks for the unpaid caregivers and recognize the scale of their tasks, the cost they bear and the policy fixes that could support them.

11/25/2025

Episode 121: The Caregiver's Caregiver - An Interview with Allison's Mom, Barbara Resch

Allison’s mom, Barbara, plays an active role in supporting Allison’s entire family, from joining them at the ER to helping with household tasks to providing emotional support. In this episode, Justin and Allison talk with her about what this looks like on a daily basis, how it feels to witness her daughter go through hard things, and how this third ring role is often unseen.

Listen, share, and join us for a virtual support group on this topic, where we'll be joined by Barbara herself!

Listen: www.insickness.care
Register for the support group: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/25789

11/22/2025

This article specifically calls out the genetic disease that Sean has: Fanconi anemia. To read an article about a team of researchers in my own town working to treat this terrible disease feels incredible. ❤️

A research team co-led by the University of Minnesota Medical School was recently awarded a 6-year, $11.3 million Synergy grant from the European Research Council to identify and pursue new approaches for treating genetic disease.

11/21/2025

WOW. Our team ended yesterday with smiles on our faces and hearts full of gratitude. This incredible community SHOWED UP for caregivers in a big way, helping us meet our goal and unlock the $15,000 matching gift. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Every single donation that came in was a moment of celebration for us and for the work that we are proud to do each day. At The Negative Space, our overhead is intentionally very low so that when we raise funds they can go where they're needed most: to the caregivers.

Your gifts will allow us to continue to provide services to caregivers of all kinds at little to no cost. Thank you!❤

11/21/2025

What a day! Every single donation that came in was met with gasps and cheers and celebrations. We are so incredibly grateful for the generosity of this community and the ways you are showing up for caregivers. Thank you for being part of the story!!

There are just a few hours left until midnight and we are almost 75% of the way to unlocking a $15,000 match. Before the day is over, consider helping us help caregivers with a gift of any size.

https://www.givemn.org/organization/The-Negative-Space

11/20/2025

We're halfway to our goal!!! We have until midnight to unlock the $15,000 matching gift. Can you help us get there?

Gifts of any amount help us help caregivers. Thank you for being part of the story!

https://www.givemn.org/organization/The-Negative-Space

11/20/2025

Our team is small but mighty, so on days like Give to the Max, it's all paws on deck.

Jill is working on communications. Sean is processing donations. Allison is taking pictures of her dog. Allison's mom, Barbara, is writing thank you notes. Winston (the dog) is supervising.

When they see our Impact Report, people often ask how big our team is and are shocked to learn it's a full time employee, a part time employee, and a team of dedicated volunteers. We intentionally keep our overhead LOW so that the money we raise can go directly to caregiver support.

Help us help caregivers with a gift of any amount today, which will be doubled if given by midnight. Thank you for being part of our small but mighty team!

https://www.givemn.org/organization/The-Negative-Space

11/20/2025

Help us help caregivers with a donation today!

It's Give to the Max Day: a day to show generosity and support for organizations based in Minnesota. We count on days like this to allow us to keep our promise of providing all of our services to caregivers at little to no cost. Thanks to a generous donor, every gift made or pledged before midnight tonight will be DOUBLED!

Help us access every dollar of this incredible $15,000 matching gift by making a donation in any amount today.

Together, we can help caregivers of all kinds feel seen and supported.

https://www.givemn.org/organization/The-Negative-Space

11/19/2025

Meet Beth:

❤Caregiver/Mom to two sons. Her eldest (5) has autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, adhd and motor delays
❤Our twenty-second caregiver feature in our Share the Mic initiative

"In the span of just four days, I experienced both a career high and a major life change.

A month ago, I got to meet Bob Lincoln, a student I’d coached for a year and a half. It was an absolute blast and a total bucket list experience to meet him at my employer’s big annual summit.

Then, just a few days later, I gave notice. Thursday, I put in my two weeks; Friday was my last day. It happened faster than I expected, but it was the right decision for my family, and I’m grateful my manager and HR worked with me to make it possible.

My sweet, twice-exceptional, energetic (often dysregulated) 5-year-old had recently started his fourth school in five months at a specialized program across town designed for kids like him. I don’t share this for sympathy, but because it highlights a reality many caregivers face: when systems aren’t built for our kids, we’re left to find creative solutions and fill in the gaps ourselves. And clearly, I am not alone here, as I am just one of the thousands of women who have left the workforce in 2025. https://lnkd.in/gS42rGkg

The mix of emotions is real: gratitude that we have the privilege for me to step back, grief over having to, and relief to finally have a little space to breathe. Right now, there’s no 'big announcement' about what’s next (besides turning into a chauffeur! 🚗😆). I’m still a credentialed coach and plan to take on a few clients in the new year. For now, I’m giving myself permission to slow down and find our new normal.

To the other moms and caregivers out there navigating similar terrain: I see you. I know how isolating it can be to hold so much. Community matters more than ever, and I’m grateful for mine (huge shoutout to my local in-laws, long-distance parents, friends, and neighbors!) Here’s to giving ourselves grace in the in-between, or what my theology colleagues might call "liminal space" (a time of transformation!) 💛 😉"

Join me in thanking Beth for sharing her story with us!

11/14/2025

🎤The "In Sickness" Podcast🎤

Listen in as two forty-something spousal caregivers talk with each other, other caregivers, and content experts about everything from Anticipatory Grief to Caregiver Burnout to the impact of caregiving on the whole family. With well over 100 episodes, there are topics for caregivers for all kinds as well as those those who want to support them. Available where ever you get your podcasts or at www.insickness.care.

Want to connect with other listeners? The Negative Space offers free virtual support groups the week after each new episode is released in which caregivers of all kinds come together via Zoom to discuss the topic. Receive email alerts about support group schedules by signing up at the link below.

https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/WebForm/Index/2505?formCode=41704113-7b34-47cf-a898-b1364900b41c

11/14/2025

It can be hard to know what to say and how to show up for the caregivers in your life, which is why we've done the work for you!

Our "I'm Part of the Story" gift boxes were created by caregivers for caregivers. The items are ones we know caregivers will appreciate, use, and cherish. Available in two sizes and price points, these gifts are sure to make your caregiving friend feel appreciated and loved. Send one today in honor of National Family Caregiver Month or for the upcoming holidays.

https://www.thenegativespace.life/gifts/

11/13/2025

Join us for a free virtual support group for caregivers of all kinds on Tuesday, November 18, from 6-715pm CT. Our topic will be the theme of the latest episode of the In Sickness podcast: Finding Friendship and Support in the Caregiver Community. Listening to the episode is not required. Hope to see you there!

Podcast episode: www.insickness.care
Register for support group: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/25637