From negative to positive, Tracy Church has had quite the year.

When Tracy said goodbye to her twin brother over the phone, she didn’t know it would be the last time they talked. Her brother, Neil Worden, 34, passed away this past March. Tracy says he was her biggest cheerleader and supporter, especially when it came to her passion for fitness.

Fitness has always been a part of Tracy’s life. While she’s a realtor and the Charitable Giving Chair at Abbott Properties, she recently put herself through school to become a professional personal trainer.

Starting in June, Tracy ramped up her fitness routine to become a competitor in the National Physique Committee Open in Boston on Nov. 7. Working out 6 days a week, Tracy says she’s all in. “I have a why, I have a reason for doing this. I get gratification knowing that I’m doing this, and my brother is watching.”

Tracy explained that the competition is prestigious, bringing in competitors from all over New England. For competitors that do well, sponsorships for big brands, like Nike, are up for grabs.

In addition to competing in Neil’s honor, Tracy is raising money for the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs, where she and Neil spent a lot of time as children. Tracy continues to send her children to the club and also credits the Boys and Girls Clubs for helping her family during the holiday season after their apartment burned down in 2015 due to an accidental fire in another unit. She has created a GoFundMe, with a goal of $4,000, to give back to a place close to her heart. “To give back to my community is just the best feeling and the best way to honor Neil’s memory,” she said in an interview.

“Something so horrible has turned out to bring so much more joy in a way,” says Tracy, who has found community, support, and friendship through her visits to the gym. Tracy is committed to finding the positive among the negative, a relatable goal for many this year.

This experience has offered Tracy many lessons.

“Instead of focusing on the issues of a specific problem, if you can transition that into something more positive, you can become stronger than you ever thought to be.”

When asked for any words of wisdom to give to others who may also be going through difficult times, Tracy says, “You’re mentally strong enough to do whatever you can and you want, but it’s your body you have to convince.”

To donate to Tracy’s GoFundMe, please visit https://gf.me/u/y5hvh8.