Come Sunday, more than 51,000 runners from across the globe will gather in New York for the 47th annual TCS New York City Marathon. The race has come a long way since 1970, when 55 people paid the $1 entry fee to run 26.2 miles through Central Park.

In this race, a major highlight is the millions of spectators who line every inch of the five-borough course, which is set against the backdrop of arguably the most recognizable skyline in the world.

More than 2.5 million people are expected to watch the runners go by, according to Forbes, and that includes 12,000 volunteers doing their part to ensure each runner successfully crosses the finish line.

But, there’s so much more to this marathon than putting one foot in front of the other. In 2016, more than 9,000 runners raised $36.1 million for charity. Because the race gives back beyond New York City, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight one of the many athletes from this year’s event who is fundraising.

Melinda Mizrachi handing out envelopes of money in Puerto Rico. Photo: NYRR

So, meet Melinda Mizrachi, a 43-year-old from Miami who had every reason to put the New York City Marathon and her fundraising efforts on the back burner.

Her homes in Florida and Puerto Rico, the latter being the house her grandfather gave her when he passed away, were damaged by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, respectively.

“From evacuating on a moment’s notice and potentially losing everything in Miami to Puerto Rico, where my second home, family, and friends were in harm’s way, this was like no disruption I could have ever anticipated,” she told New York Road Runners (NYRR).

Still, Mizrachi, a mother to a 13-year-old autistic boy, pressed on with training and fundraising for Team for Kids, which empowers youth and tackles childhood obesity by making it possible for children across the country to have access to fitness opportunities.

Not only did she raise money for Team for Kids, but she also started another fundraiser, collecting $1,300 from family and friends, and walking the streets in Puerto Rico to hand out cash to 20 families in need.

“Through all the devastation, I have been hopeful and positive, even though I probably won’t be as ready as I would like to be to have a great finish time,” Mizrachi told NYRR. “My new goal is to enjoy being a delegate in the opening ceremony representing Puerto Rico and crossing that finish line healthy and strong.”

That’s more than deserving of cheers from 2.5 million people.