CHICAGO (WGN) — When more than 50,000 runners take off in Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one participant will be celebrating a journey far beyond 26 miles.

After surviving two kidney transplants, Leah Howell is lacing up for her first marathon with a mission to inspire.

For months, Howell has trained physically and mentally for the race and says the support around her has made all the difference.

“Everybody in my village has been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive so I’m very fortunate,” Howell said.

Tough trials are nothing new for Howell. As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, she has learned the power of perseverance and plans to bring that mindset to the marathon course.

“One foot in front of the other, one neighborhood at a time,” she said.

Howell is running as part of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois Team, using the race to raise awareness and funds for the organization.

“One in three people are at risk for kidney disease and one in seven are actually living with it,” said Monica Fox, Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.

To help make testing more accessible to residents, the foundation operates a mobile clinic that provides free kidney disease screenings. One upcoming clinic will take place Friday, Oct. 24 outside Stroger Hospital.

“The earlier people know of their kidney disease, the more you can do to get on top of it,” Fox said.

Howell received her second kidney 21 years ago, and each mile on Sunday will be a tribute to those living with kidney disease and a reminder that life after transplant can be full and active.

“It’s honoring and humbling, but I think it’s important because I wanted people to see that you can live a full life,” she said.