Lion tracker with MS leads cast of History Channel's 'Alone'

In many ways, that made the 46-year-old native of Worcester, Massachusetts, a natural fit for the cast of "Alone," a History Channel reality series that follows 10 survivalists on a remote part of Canada's Vancouver Island.

Like the rest of the show's contestants, Apelian had accrued a lifetime of outdoor experience before being placed on the island, where black bears, wolves and cougars roam freely.

For the journey, contestants were allowed to bring a set number of clothing items and choose 10 supplies that could fit in a backpack.

Contestants try to outlast one another in the wilderness, with the last person taking home a $500,000 prize.

When Apelian found traditional Western treatments didn't work, she changed course and began an herbal medicine regimen supplemented with a diet of organic and wild foods and plenty of exercise.

While filming "Alone," if she started to experience symptoms — such as tingling in the throat, nose and tongue — she would lie down and rest.