Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.
My parents, may their memory be eternal, gave me the most positive thing in life.
They gave me hope. I was born disabled. I was born with SJIA (Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) at a time when most kids did not survive.
They fought for me when I was too young to fight for myself. They fought for my life.
They taught me never to give up and to continue fighting this disease every day of my life despite all odds. They did not believe in mortality statistics.
I have outlived my parents and I am a statistic. I am one of less than several hundreds of people my age living with SJIA and all its complex complications.
I know my parents are watching over me and proud that I’m a fighter and advocate for SJIA.
I never imagined I would live to see 50. I just turned 51 last week and the most positive thing my parents ever gave me was hope which is what I use to fight to survive.
Dr Kelly Fleming 
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