NEWS

Fighting Diabetes With Facts

2010-01-12T00:28:20Z

THE VOICE ST. LUCIA

A 2.5% reduction in the complications of diabetes over the next six months is the ambitious goal of a recently held workshop for diabetics. The workshop armed diabetics, their caregivers and family with information both preventative and curative to help achieve that aim.

Diabetes and hypertension are of great concern to the Health Team of Region Two, Babonneau and surrounding areas, who regularly deal with patients suffering the unnecessary health issues brought on by complications from these diseases. The Region Two team, led by Nurse Mary Joseph Charlery, organised the one-day session to educate concerned residents on how to manage the disease, prevent complications, and help improve the quality of life of diabetics.

Assistance was provided by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), which has a mandate to empower communities. The BNTF currently operates as part of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF). The Diabetic and Hypertensive Association and the Taj Weeks Foundation [They Often Cry Outreach], also provided materials for the workshop. These include diabetic shoes and kits.

Residents were delighted with the tone of the workshop, which they said clarified much of the confusing litany of information about diabetes and hypertension. Nutrition, foot care, medication, exercise, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections were among the issues addressed. Podiatrist Deborah Charles, nutrition officer Linda Philgence, pharmacist Richard Chung and fitness instructor Jerome Gideon comprised the comprehensive panel of facilitators.

Diabetes still ranks as one of the top three leading causes of death in Saint Lucia, with serious complications ranging from heart disease, blindness, strokes and kidney failure to amputations and skin problems. Saint Lucia continues to see increases in diabetes and hypertension and these non-communicable diseases are among the top consumers of health care dollars. The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), which is an amalgamation of the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). SSDF is funded by regional and international agencies.

EcoFactory Supports TOCO

2009-12-22T08:11:24Z

ECOFACTORY

They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization founded by St. Lucian artist Taj Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programs.

"I had the personal pleasure of meeting Mr. Weekes at an event in Orlando. I was very impressed with his compassionate words of wisdom and encourage people to check out his website to learn more about TOCO."

--Gabe LeBlanc (editor)

TOCO Hands Over Testers

2009-12-22T02:10:14Z

HTS CHANNEL 4 ST. LUCIA

Article by: Lovely St. Aimee

Medical officials through the generous donation of one non-profit organisation are now more equipped to help improve the quality of life of diabetes patients. The Victoria Hospital over the weekend received thousands of diabetes testers from TOCO (They Often Cry Outreach). Jackie Cherubin Weekes, says TOCO founder, Taj Weekes, made a commitment to support efforts to curb the onslaught of the disease when he journeyed to the island in support of The Wave "Walk and Burn Fun Walk."

Dr. Ayo Adesanya thanked TOCO for the gesture which he says will go a long way in empowering persons living with diabetes to take a measure of control in managing the disease. He says with the necessary equipment to monitor their condition, they could dramatically reduce the rate of diabetic complications. St. Lucia currently has the highest rate of diabetes per capita.

TOCO in St. Lucia

2009-12-21T21:55:20Z

CARIBBEAN HOT 105.3 FM

They Often Cry Outreach founded and headed by Taj Weekes, St. Lucian born musician and humanitarian is doing it again! TOCO joins with The Wave Radio Station in a walk titled "Walk & Burn" alongside LIME, HTS, and the St. Lucia Diabetic & Hypertensive Association and many other sponsors to spread awareness in St. Lucia of Diabetes of which St. Lucia has the highest rate per capita in the world. This past June, through the TOCO SOCCER Programme, the organization distributed 500 soccer balls and 600 uniforms to the Ministry of Education and underserved communities in St. Lucia, supporting the efforts of local soccer coaches to encourage youth to participate in healthy exercise in response to the nation’s greatest health crisis... Diabetes. TOCO is diligently working to bring greater awareness to this health care crisis within St. Lucia as well as in the United States, where the majority of funding originates.

The month of November, International Diabetes Awareness month, TOCO is here in St. Lucia with donations of 2,700 blood glucose meters, testing strips and educational material to distribute throughout the island to support the ongoing work of the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association. Joining Taj Weekes on this mission trip are volunteer filmmakers, who recently created a Public Service Announcement with Taj Weekes for St. Lucia and will be filming a documentary about the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia. TOCO is a New York based non-profit charity that focuses on serving underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs. Taj Weekes founded TOCO in 2006 after being named Goodwill Ambassador by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals and endorsed by the World Association of Former United Nations Interns and Fellows, Inc. in 2007 for his philanthropic efforts in the Caribbean.

Lucian Men Answer the Call

2009-12-02T20:12:24Z

ST. LUCIA STAR

A scene from Saturday’s Men’s Health Fair organized by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association.

The Men's Health Fair organized by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association on Saturday at the Derek Walcott Square has been hailed a success.

Executive Director, George Eugene, says that the Association was pleased with the turnout of men especially in light of the frequent downpours which threatened the cancellation of the event. Scores of men and curious onlookers seized the opportunity to check their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol while others had eye examinations, sampled healthy foods and even participated in the exercise displays conducted by fitness instructor, Pett Norville.

Saturday was observed as "World Diabetes Day" and the Association spared no effort in driving home the reality that Diabetes is the number one killer of especially men in the region. Brochures, leaflets and a new Ex Tempo jingle all formed part of the education efforts.

In keeping with its mandate to provide quality care to Diabetics, the Association also made a presentation of new crutches to George Lovence, a 10 year client of the Association who was diagnosed 15 years ago at age 29. The former electrical apprentice had his leg amputated just below the knee at the tender age of 34 and expressed his willingness to assist with the education campaign, having lost his older brother and father to Diabetes.

Founder of the children's charitable organization "TOCO" (They Often Cry Outreach) and international reggae sensation, Taj Weekes, expressed his delight with the efforts of the Association and urged more St. Lucians to join in the fight against diabetes.

"This is serious. We are losing so many so young. With children now being diagnosed with diabetes, the task is very clear. We have to take control of our lives and develop a more conscious and positive attitude towards health and health care. We owe it to ourselves and our youth."

Weekes is on island with a video production team who volunteered their services to compile a documentary on Diabetes in St. Lucia. TOCO has also made available, over 2000 testers for free distribution.

Meanwhile, the President of the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertensive Association, Cuthbert
St. Juste, pledged continued support for the Diabetes education campaign and urged St. Lucians to render assistance to the Association.

St. Juste says that despite limited financial and human resources, the Association continues to provide many critical services to Diabetics and others. He was full of praise for the many agencies and corporate entities who partnered with the Association to make the Men’s Health Fair a reality. The Association will host its annual "Walk for Diabetes" event on November 29 as activities for Diabetes Month come to a close.

St. Lucian Reggae Star to "Walk and Burn"

2009-12-02T20:00:12Z

ST. LUCIA STAR

Taj Weekes, the founder of TOCO, has lent his support to the Wave’s walk this Sunday.

Saint Lucian born international Reggae artiste Taj Weekes and TOCO will join the Wave 94.5 in their walk this Sunday. The walk dubbed "Walk and Burn" which is the brainchild of the Wave family will begin at 6am at the station’s headquarters, American Drywall Building, Vide Bouteille and end at Pigeon Island.

TOCO (They Often Cry Outreach) was founded and is headed by Taj Weekes, as a New York-based non-profit charity that focuses on serving underprivileged children in the Caribbean through sports, health and enrichment programs.

The Wave 94.5 along with TOCO, will be sponsoring one hundred Saint Lucian children to be a part of Sunday’s walk.

"The idea is that we will be sensitizing these young persons about living healthy and educating them about diabetes, so that they can go back to their schools and serve as ambassadors spreading those messages," country manager Sue Monplaisir of the Wave says.

At the end of the walk there will be a number of fitness challenges supported by Sportivo gym as well as free diabetes testing through the Saint Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association. TOCO will be donating 2,700 blood glucose meters, testing strips and educational material to distribute on the day of the walk and throughout the month of November.

Sunday’s "Walk and Burn" is being supported by a number of sponsors including LIME, Sportivo Gym, Renwick and Company, Sandals Resorts, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, Bascho, Subway, Blue Water and Touch Therapy.

The event which is expected to mix fun with fitness will feature music by 1 Audio Inco along the route. At the end of the walk participants will be given breakfast, water and rehydrating drinks and there will be gifts and prizes for deserving individuals at the end of the day.

Taj Weekes Gives Back

2009-10-08T17:57:05Z

HTS CHANNEL 4 ST. LUCIA

Story by: Alison Kentish

It's a program that combines football and education. The initiative promotes the idea that a truly positive person is a strong mind and spirit in a fit body. The program is called TOCO, short for 'They Often Cry Outreach.' It brings hundreds of soccer balls, uniforms and equipment to primary and secondary schools and charity groups. [Taj] Weekes says the program is built on his childhood here and the belief that one soccer ball can be not only a source of joy to a child but also improve health, self-discipline, self-esteem and confidence.

The initiative is endorsed fully by RISE Saint Lucia Inc. The organisation's Founder – Dr. Stephen King says it's the type of donation that will give young people a chance to excel. Dr. Marcus Day works with young people who have fallen through the cracks. It helps the homeless and drug addicts. Dr. Day supports TOCO – which he says is a proactive approach to dealing with young people.

Through TOCO's recent efforts, BIOLA University of Southern California has pledged five annual scholarships to qualified soccer players who exhibit strong grade point averages and testing scores. These scholarships will be awarded to Saint Lucian students through TOCO SOCCER. Weekes founded TOCO in 2008 to help underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, education and wellness programs.

Taj Donates Sports Gear To Communities

2009-09-10T07:17:26Z

THE ST. LUCIA MIRROR

Article by: Reginald Andrew

During a recent seven-day visit to the island, Taj Weekes' role as a Goodwill Ambassador for a division of the United Nations was extended to several communities in St. Lucia. The St. Lucian born international reggae artist also shares a passion for football, and through his US based non-profit organization, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), he donated a range of football gear, uniforms and balls to various district clubs on the island.

TOCO was founded by Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in the Caribbean and beyond through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programmes. At a TOCO Soccer briefing held late last month, the programme was endorsed by Donovan Williams, permanent secretary in the department of youth and sports. Other distinguished persons at the press briefing included Dr. Stephen King, chairman of RISE, Richard Peterkin, chairman of the Olympic Committee and George Eugene, Diabetic Association representative.

In his comments, Williams said, "Partnership is crucial… and that is why we can work alongside many different organizations using whatever skills they have to advance the cause of sport." Responding to the accolades that were being showered on him at the briefing, Weekes declared, "This goes to show that St. Lucia is a great place… because I did not become the person that I am living in a bubble. I mingled with lots of people and the people that I met were positive people, and that is reflected in the person that I am today." He added: "With this little initiative here, if we can help some people realize their potential and live the way that they should live, then they can help give meaning to what I am doing."

TOCO's soccer programmes are being implemented to empower schools and community groups with the supplies and support needed to teach basic soccer skills and organize neighborhood tournaments. In addition, the goals of the programme include addressing the accelerated rate of diabetes throughout the Caribbean as well as to provide a fun, healthy community-based activity.

Weekes presents football gear to president of Allez, Jermaine Corsinie, at the Anse La Raye playing field.On his final lap, Weekes donated gear to the Allez Sports and Cultural Club of Anse La Raye and also presented supplies to the I CAN [I Can Change a Nation] youth group from Soufriere. He plans to return to the island later this year to continue "the mission of giving." As he says, "There is great joy in giving back something to your community."

David Schroeder of WVUR The Source 95.1 Interviews Taj Weekes About Upcoming TOCO/VALPO Fundraiser

2009-09-01T19:00:00Z

WVUR THE SOURCE 95.1 FM, VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

Interview by: David Schroeder, Sports Director

David Schroeder, Sports Director for WVUR The Source 95.1 FM Radio at Valparaiso University, interviews Taj Weekes in advance of the upcoming Valpo Men's Soccer fundraiser for his charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO).

Weekes discusses his goals for the launch of the new TOCO campaign, "Sneakers Not Wheelchairs," initiated to address the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia, his home country. "We've taken on the whole diabetes crisis in St. Lucia, which has the highest rate of diabetes per capita in the world. The aim is to take down 5000 diabetes testers to St. Lucia in November, because November is Diabetes Month the world over and what we're trying to do is give out testers to the people so they know whether or not they have diabetes... or they have pre-diabetes, and they can change their lives accordingly."

"Valpo has been instrumental in helping us with the cause. They have really been spearheading the effort."

Listen to Interview

Visit Audio Interview Page On www.TajAndAdowa.com

ABOUT THE FUNDRAISER:

The Valparaiso University men’s soccer program is teaming up with St. Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes and his children's charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO), to help launch the "Sneakers Not Wheelchairs" campaign - a public health initiative that will target the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia. The Crusaders will conduct a fundraiser during the home opener at Brown Field on September 6th at 5:00 p.m. against nationally-ranked Michigan.

The "Sneakers Not Wheelchairs" campaign is a direct reference to the growing diabetes epidemic in St. Lucia, which owns the highest rate of diabetes per capita in the world and where there is reportedly an estimated two amputations per week due to diabetes-related illnesses. Many become shut-ins because they are wheelchair bound, so the "Sneakers not Wheelchairs" campaign encourages St. Lucians to get up, put on their sneakers and exercise rather than become part of this alarming statistic.

TOCO is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization founded by St. Lucian reggae artist Taj Weekes and is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and orphaned children in the Caribbean through sport, enrichment, educational and wellness programs. TOCO HEALTH targets the diabetes crisis in St. Lucia which can only be described as epidemic.

Valpo Men’s Soccer Teams Up With TOCO to Launch “Sneakers Not Wheelchairs” Campaign

2009-08-27T02:28:09Z

VALPO ATHLETICS

During Diabetes Awareness Month in November, TOCO will bring blood glucose meters, test strips, educational and nutritional materials and several volunteer doctors to St. Lucia for a health fair and Annual Fun Walk to promote health and exercise in St. Lucia and encourage St. Lucians to opt for "Sneakers not Wheelchairs." The goal of the "Sneakers not Wheelchairs" campaign is to raise awareness of this epidemic by getting kids to play soccer, eat right, and eventually eliminate diabetes in St. Lucia permanently.

The Valparaiso men's soccer program first became involved with TOCO early in the 2008 season when it received an e-mail from the organization asking for donations of used soccer equipment. At the same time, head coach Mike Avery had recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean, where he had witnessed first-hand many of the conditions that TOCO was created to help fight. The Crusader players and coaches decided to support TOCO by sending the organization some of its older equipment, forming a partnership that has grown over the past year.

"We are very excited to team up with Taj Weekes and TOCO to support the wonderful 'Sneakers not Wheelchairs' initiative," said Avery. "Soccer and music are two of the most powerful change agents in the world, and it is exciting for our little soccer team to play a small role in bringing TOCO's vision into reality. I hope many people in the Valparaiso community will come out to support us against a good Michigan team next Sunday, but will also take the chance to help TOCO make a lasting difference in people's lives."

The fundraiser at the home opener will help TOCO purchase supplies for November's mission trip. The program is waiving the standard admission charge for the game against the Wolverines, and will instead be taking cash and check donations to help purchase new medical supplies to help provide resources to the population affected with diabetes. Fans may also bring any new, packaged medical supplies, as well as gently used soccer equipment, that they wish to donate to the cause. The Crusaders will continue to accept any donations throughout the season as well as they continue their partnership with TOCO into the 2009 season and beyond.