Boston Marathon Survivor Says She Ran 2016 Race to Say 'Giant Thank You'

— -- Three years ago, when terrorist bombs rained down on the Boston Marathon, Adrianne Haslet-Davis and her husband were injured while on the sidelines.

Haslet-Davis had to have her lower left leg amputated. She had been a professional ballroom dancer at the time of the 2013 blast.

Monday, she returned to the 26.2 mile race -- this time as a competitor.

"I wanted to say a giant thank you to anyone who's ever reached out, given a hug or a letter or kind words to myself and all the other survivors," she told ABC affiliate WCVB-TV in Boston.

Haslet-Davis, who is running to raise funds for the Limbs for Life Foundation, has received tons of support. Even New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sent words of encouragement her way.

"Two years ago I was lucky enough to meet Adrianne Haslet, a survivor of the 2013 Marathon bombings," he wrote Monday on Facebook. "She's on the course now, running the race for the first time -- with a prosthetic leg. Adrianne thank you for being my inspiration!! #?BostonStrong?."

Haslet-Davis is slated to cross the finish line Monday evening and expects it will be an emotional experience.

"I just hope I have enough hydration to cry and run at the same time," she said.