Houston 5K Honors Colon Cancer Hero's Dying Wish

Days before retired Lt. James "Jimmy" Cassel died at 54, he made one final request: tell my story so others don't suffer like I did.

Now the Houston cancer survivor who became his friend is honoring that promise. Keith Rollins and his Push Up Foundation will dedicate their sixth annual Victory Lap 5K to Cassel on March 7 at Highline Park in the Heights.

Cassel served 30 years with the Harris County Constable's Office before getting his first colonoscopy at 53. Doctors found colon cancer, and though he fought hard, the disease returned. He passed away in October 2025.

The day before his death, Cassel visited Rollins and his daughter Kendall with an urgent message. "He requested that we share his story and not let people forget him," Rollins said. "Jimmy didn't want anyone to experience what he endured."

Rollins knows that pain personally. As a colon cancer survivor himself, he founded the Push Up Foundation with a simple mission: get people screened at 45, the newly recommended age for colonoscopies.

The race will also honor Michael Walsh, who was diagnosed at just 33 years old. While in Houston for colorectal surgery, Walsh discovered the Victory Lap and immediately registered. "It's been helpful to have a supportive community, one that understands my journey," he said.

Why This Inspires

Cassel's story shows the power of advocacy even in life's final moments. His choice to share his experience transforms personal tragedy into community action. By speaking up when it mattered most, he's giving others the gift he wished he'd had: early detection.

Dr. Omar Madriz, a colon and rectal surgeon at UT Physicians and Push Up Foundation board member, reinforces Cassel's message. "A colonoscopy is a relatively quick, minimally invasive procedure that could save your life," he said.

Colon cancer ranks as the third most diagnosed cancer among both men and women. But unlike Cassel's outcome, early screening can catch it before it spreads.

The family-friendly 5K kicks off Colon Cancer Awareness Month with survivors, families, and advocates running together. Proceeds fund educational programs promoting early detection.

Cassel's final wish is becoming a movement that could save hundreds of lives.