TRAVERSE CITY -- When a person is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness it's very easy to simply give up, but one Traverse City area woman is doing the exact opposite.

Karin Boyd was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 and is fighting back.  Working out is a daily routine for Karin here at Fit For You Gym in Traverse City.

"I had symptoms of numbness, tingling and like most people it took awhile for them to figure out what it was," explained Karin. "When I was diagnosed I started therapy and you kind of have a mental vision of doom I guess is the word. I kind of gave up on myself."

But now instead of giving up, Karin is did the exact opposite despite a few set-backs.

"Last year I had a really rough year with episodes. I had a job that I ended up losing because they couldn't depend on me. Then in November I decided Fit For You was having a weight loss challenge, kind of like The Biggest Loser."

Karin didn't end up being one of the finalists in the challenge, but it did motivate her to start exercising on her own.

"My husband got me some personal training and I started working out and I couldn't believe how much better I felt...At seven weeks I had lost 16 inches and 12 pounds."

MS is when your own immune system attacks your nerves but it affects everyone differently.

"I lose the feeling in my hands, my hands right now are completely numb. I think just being lighter and feeling healthier has made a huge difference."

"Karin is a very unique person because usually when someone has these kind of symptoms like problems with balance and strength they tend to kind of give up and focus on mainly the disease. But with her she just kept on pushing through it," said Ryan Heary, Karin's Personal Trainer.

"I've got a family, I've got two kids and I think it's important for them to see that even if you have a limitation that you can still push through it and my family is supportive," Karin said.

She doesn't see herself as anyone out of the ordinary, instead she hopes to inspire others.

"I don't think there's anyone in this gym that's currently dealing with that and she actually to me seems like she's pushing harder than anyone else because she has that motivation," explained Heary.

"I'm hoping by keeping healthy then maybe the MS will be a minor obstacle I guess, in my life," said Karin

Karin said her lifestyle not only changed by working out, but her family also now has a healthier lifestyle.

If you'd like to nominate a hero email Melissa at msmith@upnorthlive.com