ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A local first responder is getting national attention for her efforts raising awareness and money for the American Lung Association. The public can help this firefighter continue in her fight against lung disease.

What You Need To Know

Jen Shedler, a St. Petersbrug Firefighter/EMT, has been a first responder for five years. Working the frontline runs in the family.

"My dad's a firefighter. He's since retired from the field, but he still works as an inspector here," said Shedler.

The 35-year-old helps people on and off the job.

She trains and participates in the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb. And she does it wearing her bunker gear.

"I'd say it's probably 65 pounds," said Shedler. The weight of that gear and thoughts of a friend, heavy during her climb.

"She lost one parent to lung cancer," Shedler says of the inspiration for her climb.

Raising awareness is personal, especially considering this firefighter recognizes the risks she faces at her job.

Shedler did so well raising funds, she's featured in the 2022 National American Lung Association Firefighter Calendar.

"I'm January. I'm one-third of January," said Shedler. "I'm pretty happy about January because I know everybody looks at January, at least on their calendars."

Shedler looks ahead at next year's calendar and back at this year's climb.

"This last year was just over 800 steps," said Shedler.

"When we were climbing in the building, we were going straight up 41 flights and at Raymond James. It's different because we're going up and down consistently throughout the climb," said the Firefighter.

A climb and a calendar raising money to help people breathe a little easier. Lindsay Rosegger with American Lung Association says the money stays local.

"We provide research grants to scientists and doctors who are on the forefront of medical research for ending lung disease," said Rosegger, senior development manager with the American Lung Association in Tampa. Some of that funding is also going to help research the effects of COVID-19 on the lungs.

To help even more, Shedler is already looking ahead to another climb and she's added participating in helping to organize Tampa's event.

"I raised just under $2,000 cumulatively for the five years I've been climbing," said Shedler. "I've increased my goal every year."

The 2022 Fight for Air Climb will be Apr. 2 at Raymond James Stadium.