Leading with faith: Pasifika cancer support pioneer shares journey

The founder of a Pacific-focused cancer support organisation says her and her husband’s cancer journeys and their faith are the driving forces behind their work today.

Taime Pasifika Cancer Support (TPCS) is a charitable trust that provides services aligned with the cultural needs of Pacific people living with cancer or who have survived it.

The organisation aims to bridge gaps between Pasifika communities and existing support networks through dedicated group gatherings, online programmes, and individual check-ins.

Speaking to Ernestina Bonsu Maro on PMN Cook Islands, founder and chief executive Elizabeth Fa’alili said her family’s cancer journey started in 2011 when her husband, David, was diagnosed.

She said this led to complications with their daughter, who was born extremely premature.

“She was only 24 weeks, five days - that's how pregnant I was when she had to be delivered by emergency c-section,” Fa’alili said.

“She had necrotising enterocolitis [and was] diagnosed with autism, so we've had a lot of challenges along the way.

“Then, in March 2021, my husband was discharged from oncology - they were like, ‘we don't need to see you anymore, David, you don't need to come for any checkups because you are cancer-free!’ - ring the bell, dance and everything like that - we celebrated.”

Watch the full interview via PMN Cook Islands’ FB.

PMN Cook Islands' bilingual show is on air every Monday 3pm-6pm (NZST), followed by their full programme from 6pm-6am (NZST). Photo/PMN

Following faith

But a month later, Fa’alili discovered a lump on her left breast.

Drawing from her family’s experience with cancer, they acted quickly, starting treatment that same year.

By early 2023, Fa’alili was officially cancer-free, which led her to reflect on their tumultuous journey.

“I was thinking and praying over it and wondering - Lord, why did you take me through this? What do you want me to do?”

Guided by her faith, she left her “well-paid job” to dedicate herself to charitable work through TPCS.

“We registered [TPCS] in July 2023, and we started taking clients in around November… and we've been doing all that work ever since.

Pink Ribbon Brunch 2024. Photo /Facebook/TPCS.

“I’m going to be honest, although it is charitable and I'm literally volunteering my time, it is the most heartwarming work, it is the best job I've ever had - I love it.”

Building relationships and faith

The organisation’s name - “Taime” - means time in Cook Islands Māori and embodies the “focus on treasuring life’s moments”.

Fa’alili reinforces the importance of connecting cancer patients and survivors with others who share similar cultural foundations.

“Relationships are an important part of our work… we can’t just go and ask things. We need to be building these relationships.

“There is a level of intimidation where our people don’t feel comfortable speaking, especially when you’re going through something like cancer.”

She also emphasised the importance of incorporating faith and culture in every aspect of their work, saying, “We open with a pure (prayer), we close with a pure, God is all around”.

TPCS group photo. Photo /Facebook/TPCS.

One participant's testimonial attests to the value of community bonds, stating that God led them to Taime for the “practical help… shared faith, emotional support, love, and the space they offer to truly be oneself.”

TPCS’s Pacific focus: ‘Where are my people?’

Fa’alili said their organisation's Pacific focus came from identifying Pasifika individuals who often felt underrepresented in existing cancer support programmes.

“I'd go to them, and I’m the only brown person. I was like, ‘Maybe it's just a fluke’, but every single one that I went to, I was always the only brown person.

“I wondered what was going on. Why is this happening? Where are my people?”

Expanding on TPCS’s programmes, Fa’alili shared how monthly gatherings serve as welcoming spaces where “you will always have music, food - a photo booth even”.

Beyond social gatherings, Taime’s initiatives range from Teu Lou Ulu - a library of free headwear for those with medical hair loss - to Zumba® Gold classes that promote gentle fitness to strengthen community ties.

TPCS also offers events specifically for women, men, along with combined meetups where everyone, including family and supporters, can unite.

Purpose

Fa’alili said he was grateful for the ongoing support for her new venture, adding that the feedback from participants had reaffirmed her purpose.

“This work can be tiring, like everything, every job can be exhausting, and quite often, we can sometimes forget our purpose,” she said.

“But when a client sees something or someone messages something, it's like all those insecurities or exhaustion, I’m reminded of my purpose.”

For more on their programmes or to donate, click here.