This is Day 12 of the Positive 100, a countdown to Rare Disease Day 2014 and an exercise in being positive despite it all.

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.”– Michael J. Fox

Family, no matter if it is by accident of birth or a choice you made, is one incredible group. These days family is more than just those whose genetics you share. It can be your best friend, your third cousin’s roommate, the people who brought you into this world or even siblings you grew up with. The only thing that is required for a group to be a family is its love for each other. The knowledge that they will do just about anything for you. They will love you despite your flaws.

My family is very often my rock. The last two times I was in the hospital the only visitors were family (no, not even the man I thought I was going to marry showed up over the 5 years we were together). Last spring when my dad collapsed at a wake, my aunt and uncle took me to their house because I was too rattled to drive. That same aunt has been there every time I needed an ally. Just like she has been the one, more than once, to make sure that I listen to my mother.

My cousin, the groom in the photo, has been one of my best friends for years. At his wedding, I knew the whole family plus all the friends because they were my friends too. He has always treated me like I am his little sister. Just last weekend he was telling me how happy he was that I am driving again (no matter how rarely). And how good it is to see me smile.

I get cousin lunches with Christine & Hillary. I spent weeks recovering from a massive car accident keeping my cousin company while she spent weeks in the hospital with complications from spina bifida and a kidney infection. When the set her free, we went and rescued me a kitten.

My mom and dad have always been there for me, one of them has been at every scan and test. Every performance, recital and gallery show.

My family has supported me through everything. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.

Share the positivity on Twitter, Instagram and Google+ with the hashtag #100positivedays. Also, you can sign up to be emailed a recap each week of the challenge.