First Pitch for His Community: Johnathan's Mission to Change How Men Talk About Cancer

On June 18, standing on the mound at a Seattle Mariners game, Johnathan Tuiasosopo wound up and threw the first pitch. The crowd cheered. He smiled — the wide, warm smile of a man who knows exactly how much a moment like this is worth.

Two years earlier, he wasn't sure he'd have moments like this at all.

At 57, he showed up for his annual medical exam — something he has made a priority given his family history and the high incidence of certain health issues among Samoan men, especially cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Studies have found that cancer is the second leading cause of death among Samoan men, followed by cardiovascular disease. Johnathan himself has lost four of his siblings in the last two years. His oldest sibling passed away in 2025. His younger brother, who would have been just 44 this year, is gone.

"Life is too short," he said simply.

When his PSA levels came back elevated, his worst fears became a reality.

More bloodwork followed. Then a biopsy that led to a prostate cancer diagnosis.

"My dad had prostate cancer. Several of his brothers had it too," he said. "The question of would I get cancer one day has quietly lived in the back of my mind for years."

Johnathan was referred to Dr. Paul Kozlowski, a urologist at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), who walked him through what would come next.

"He was right there providing kind and steady reassurance," recalled Johnathan. "Despite how scary the diagnosis felt, I was immediately comforted."

Dr. Kozlowski presented him with his options: surgical removal of the cancer or active surveillance and radiation therapy.

He chose surgery. I wanted to "get it out," he shared.

It wasn't an easy decision — both paths carried side effects, both carried uncertainty. But for him, the calculation was clear.

Once the surgery was completed, no additional treatment was needed. Since then, he has monitored his PSA annually, watching closely.

Two years later, he is still cancer-free.

Johnathan remains very involved in his Samoan community and he knows the hurdles many face when it comes to being more proactive with their health.

"The pride runs deep and that can make it easy to delay the hard things — the appointments, the screenings, the conversations about what might be wrong," he shared.

He started talking in his community and sharing his journey with anyone who would listen.

Johnathan hopes his story will inspire others in the Pacific Islander community to put their health first and to also complete preventive health screenings.

"I want to be an ambassador for better health for my people," he said.

On the same day he threw out the first pitch at T-Mobile Park, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health offered free prostate cancer screenings and reached more than 90 men with proactive tests. Twelve of those men have since received results showing an elevated PSA and are being connected to follow-up care.

"Each one of those screenings carries the potential to save a life," shared Dr. Kozlowski, who volunteered at the game that day.

Prostate cancer screening is recommended annually for men beginning at age 50, or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors. Early symptoms are rare. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer is often more advanced and harder to treat. Screenings remain the best tool for catching cancer early and creating better outcomes for those diagnosed.

In collaboration with Seattle’s leading sports teams — the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Kraken, and Seattle Mariners — VMFH brings care, education, resources and support directly to fans on and off the field, championing a healthier future for all. To date, 14 screenings have been held with nearly 700 people screened.

More information on screenings can be found at vmfh.org/screenings.