Kimberly Kelly, a third grade teacher at Great Falls Elementary School, is going the distance to help fund research for lung-related diseases such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.

Kelly participates in the Fight for Air Climb, which is one of the signature fundraising events of the American Lung Association. The climbs are held in prominent skyscrapers across the country, giving participants the opportunity to join together with friends, family and co-workers as they climb the stairs of the building to the top.

Participation in the climb raises the funds necessary to provide life-saving education, research and advocacy to help beat lung disease and soon find a cure. Eighty-nine cents of every dollar raised by The American Lung Association goes directly to education, research and advocacy.

On February 4, Kelly returned to One Boston Place for her third annual climb. The climb consists of running or walking 41 floors, 82 flights, 789 steps. Kelly chooses to run. Her fastest time yet was just under nine minutes.

She participates in the climb with her partner, Barry Brewster, and her brother, Rick Dorman, calling themselves Team Dorman. In 2011, Rick suffered from a severe asthma attack that nearly took his life. Kelly participates in the climb in honor of him, and to help fight for the health of others.

To compete in the climb, participants must fundraise $100 dollars, but Kelly and Barry have both exceeded that mark, raising over $1200 total. Their goal is “to collect lots for this personal cause,” said Kelly.