Have you heard "Tasi le Ola"?

The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition (ASCCC), a non-profit, non-governmental, community-based organization, kicked off the first ever cancer prevention radio drama called “Tasi le Ola” at Utulei Beach Saturday May 23.

Nearly over 200 people turned out to hear the creative and talented finalists in the radio drama theme song contest perform their original songs. The ASCCC received 12 song entries. Each song was judged on how well the lyrics encouraged women to be healthy and expressed the show’s theme “tasi le ola”—you only have one life so be healthy.

All song entries were recognized at the event. Sani Lefaoseu/Tama Muaau (see photos below) took home the top prize of $300, Fuafiva Va’a Chan and Sylvia Va’a Filiki placed second and received $175 and Elisara Isaako and Ester Generation tied for third place and were each given $75. Dedreck Mose, Ario Mauga, Lina Prendergast, Ararat Afalava and Taleni Aumoeualogo received honorable mention and 2 cases of wahoo donated by StarKist. Fiona and Fia Fuimaono and members TAOA’s women’s cooperative also provided singing entertainment.

Several song contestants offered dedications to family members who have passed due to cancer. The “Tasi le Ola” theme songs can be heard in the radio drama currently airing and in radio advertisements for the show. The theme songs will continue to be used in future ASCCC radio spots and media products.

The event was MC’d by Diehl Langkilde courtesy of 92.1 KSBS and V103.1 provided live radio broadcasting of the event. Sight & Sound Audio kept the event pulsing with DJ music and dance contests (photo below) between singing acts. All women age 40+ in attendance were asked to write their “One Wish for Your Life” on pink flags that were hung at the event (photo below) and then each received reusable “Tasi le Ola” promotional bags filled with cancer prevention information and other freebies (magnets, bracelets, pens) designed to remind them to listen to the radio show over the next three weeks.

The radio program aims to remind women to make their healthy their priority so their life wishes may come true. In between musical acts a free raffle awarded gift certificates and prizes donated by ACE Hardware, Aveina Bros., Blue Sky, Cost-U-Less, Deluxe Café, SWAP Meet Liquidation, Trader John’s, GHC Reid, Rochelle Reid, and Dr. Tofaeono. Those attending the “Tasi le Ola” kick off event were also able to gather health information from several partner agency booths: DoH - Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; DoH – Immunization; DoH – Maternal and Child Health; LBJ Family Planning/Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition; Department of Health and Social Services Mental Health Division; Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA); Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition; and the Women’s Paddling Club Au Va’a Laumei.

The “Tasi le Ola” story was inspired by survey data collected from women and health care providers along with interviews with cancer survivors and traditional Samoan healers (Taulasea/Fofo) who have treated Samoan women with breast cancer. The plot follows the fictional character of Tasi, her family, friends and neighbors, as they encounter obstacles to living healthy and face fears about screening for cancer. Listeners will be able to relate to the realistic situations Tasi and other characters encounter. It is hoped that women especially will model the healthy behaviors of some characters.

“Tasi le Ola” can be heard on FM radio Monday - Saturday, May 25 – June 13. Samoan and English versions of the program can be heard on V103.1 twice a day and the Samoan version is airing once a day on 92.1 KSBS. “Tasi le Ola” can also be heard in Samoan on 104.1 Showers of Blessings once daily Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and twice on Monday and Wednesday. Listeners are encouraged to tune in each day to follow the developing story. Over three weeks Episode 1 will be played on Mondays; Episode 2 on Tuesdays; Episode 3 on Wednesdays; Episode 4 on Thursdays and Episode 5 on Fridays. The entire series, Episodes 1-5, will be played on Saturdays. (See complete airing schedule below.)

A CD containing the complete “Tasi le Ola series in Samoan and in English as well as the theme songs was donated to the Felieti Barstow Public Library for patrons to access now and after to show stops airing June 13.