The Push Up Foundation Houston will host its sixth annual Victory Lap 5K on Saturday, March 7, at Highline Park in the Heights to kick off Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This family-friendly event will bring survivors, families, and advocates together to promote colon cancer prevention and the lifesaving importance of early screenings.
Founded by Houston resident and colon cancer survivor Keith Rollins, the Push Up Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of colon cancer, the third most diagnosed cancer among men and women. Since its founding, the Push Up Foundation has had a simple mission: to encourage people to get their colonoscopies at the now-recommended age of 45. Through doing so, it has touched countless lives.
This year’s race will honor two of these lives and their remarkable stories, including retired Lt. James “Jimmy” Cassel of Klein, Texas.
This year’s race will honor retired Lt. James “Jimmy” Cassel of Klein, Texas (center). (Photo courtesy of Push Up Foundation Houston)
Cassel, who dedicated 30 years of service to the Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 5, attended the Push Up Foundation’s 2025 Victory Lap as a colon cancer survivor following his first colonoscopy at age 53. Despite a valiant fight, Cassel’s cancer returned, and he passed away at age 54 in October 2025. The day before Cassel died, he visited with Rollins and Rollins’ daughter, Kendall.
“He requested that we share his story and not let people forget him. Jimmy didn’t want anyone to experience what he endured,” Rollins said. “So, this year, we will dedicate the Victory Lap to Jimmy and honor his legacy by telling his courageous story.”
The Push Up Foundation will also honor Michael Walsh, a native of Georgia. Diagnosed with colon cancer at an early age of 33, Michael learned about the Victory Lap while in Houston, just days before he was to undergo colorectal surgery. He decided to register for the 5K.
“I’m so glad I signed up for the 5K. It’s been helpful to have a supportive community – one that understands my journey and can relate to what I’ve been through,” Michael said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s the importance of advocating for yourself and staying mindful of any changes in your health.”
This year’s race will honor former retired Lt. James “Jimmy” Cassel of Klein, Texas (center). (Photo courtesy of Push Up Foundation Houston)
Stories like Cassel’s and Walsh’s underscore the power of acting early. That message is echoed by medical experts who stress that prevention begins with timely screenings.
“Early detection can make all the difference,” said Omar Madriz, MD, an assistant professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, a colon and rectal surgeon at UT Physicians and Memorial Hermann Hospital, and a Push Up Foundation board member. “A colonoscopy is a relatively quick, minimally invasive procedure that could save your life.”
To register for the 2026 Victory Lap 5K or support the cause, visit www.pushupfoundationhouston.org. Proceeds will fund educational initiatives to promote early detection of colorectal cancer.