DES MOINES — The heat was unbearable.

The cause was more than worth it.

Christian James, a 1996 Ottumwa High School graduate, reached his goal.

His objective was a massive undertaking. James created Helping Hits, a non-profit organization to help fight colon cancer. To raise money for the noble cause, the Ottumwa native and resident of Ankeny decided to hit 5,000 softballs in a 24-hour period to support funding for colon cancer screening.

What he didn’t plan on was swinging a metal bat in near 100-degree temps on the longest day of the year.

He was still standing on Monday afternoon and his exploits raised $30,000 in the process.

James’ accomplishment is the first known attempt in the nation of someone hitting softballs to raise money to fight the deadly disease of colorectal cancer.

He started his quest at Principal Park in Des Moines, the home of the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, on Sunday, June 21 at 5 p.m.

The temperatures soared into the 90s with a heat index of well over 100 degrees. Still James kept on swinging and the money kept pouring in.

James did take a few of his 20-minute hitting sessions in the air-conditioned batting cage the Iowa Cubs possess.

The money donated will go toward colonoscopy studies and free screenings for those that can’t afford the procedure.

James is the son of Crystal and Richard James of Ottumwa.