November 12, 2024

Lisa Picker: From Grief to Giving – Turning Tragedy Into a Mission

Episode #1
“Mom, I just want one good day.” – Liam Picker

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Lisa Picker: From Grief to Giving – Turning Tragedy Into a Mission

Episode 1

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Podcast Cover Art for Lisa Picker's Episode of Life Beyond Loss
"One thing I've learned from grief is you can't run from it. You can't hide from it. It's more physically fit than you are. It's wiser than you are. It's tenacious, and it will chase you and hunt you down until you accept it. And that's what I had to go through. And I embraced my grief every step of the way. I cussed, I talked about it. I was mad at God. I said, all you had to do was touch him. And then I have such peace about Liam not being here."

Show Summary

In this deeply moving episode of Life Beyond Loss, host Kelly Chandler sits down with Lisa Picker, a mother whose life was forever changed by the tragic loss of her son, Liam. Lisa takes us on a profound journey, sharing intimate moments of Liam’s life—his vibrant personality, his love for music and Japanese culture, and the immense challenges he faced due to mental health struggles. Despite the unimaginable heartbreak, Lisa has channeled her grief into purpose, founding the Liam Michael Foundation to support mental health resources and offer hope to families who face similar losses.

With courage and compassion, Lisa discusses her mission to honor Liam’s memory, shedding light on the harsh realities of mental health and the importance of understanding, resilience, and community support. This episode explores the transformative power of love, faith, and advocacy, offering listeners a powerful reminder of hope and healing, even in life’s darkest moments.

Guest Information

Lisa Picker

Guest - Mother

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Chapter Markers

Introduction and Background (0:00 – 08:02)

  • Lisa Picker introduced as guest
  • Lisa grew up in St. Charles with three siblings
  • Married at 17, moved to California, returned and remarried at 31
  • Worked as medical assistant for Mercy St. Louis for almost 40 years
  • Retiring on November 1st

‍‍‍ Family Life (08:02 – 16:30)

  • Lisa has three children: Chelsea (41), Zoe, and Liam
  • Blended family with husband Michael
  • Liam was the youngest, loved reptiles and music
  • Liam showed signs of social anxiety in 3rd/4th grade
  • Began counseling for Liam due to school anxiety

Liam’s Struggles (16:30 – 25:45)

  • Liam homeschooled due to increasing depression
  • Diagnosed with high IQ and OCD
  • Learned Japanese language and culture
  • Discovered talent for playing piano
  • Experienced bullying and possible abuse at school
  • Crisis and Attempts (25:45 – 34:38)
  • Liam made a suicide attempt at age 14
  • Lisa received a distressing call from Liam while at work
  • Family struggled to find appropriate mental health care
  • Liam resistant to medications and treatments

Liam’s Passing (34:40 – 47:20)

  • Liam took his own life at age 19
  • Lisa found Liam in his room
  • Family struggled with grief and coping mechanisms
  • Daughters sought treatment for trauma and substance abuse

Honoring Liam’s Memory (47:21 – 57:23)

  • Liam’s composition “Winter” debuted at Carnegie Hall
  • Music used in Japanese film “Shiori”
  • Lisa and husband attended movie premiere in Tokyo

Liam Michael Foundation (57:24 – 01:07:59)

  • Foundation created to help others with mental health issues
  • Provides funeral cost assistance for families who lose children to suicide
  • Offers mental health services funding
  • Operates with volunteer staff and community donations

Mental Health Care Improvements (01:07:59 – 01:16:39)

  • Lisa advocated for changes in mental health intake procedures
  • Emphasized need for compassion and dignity in treatment
  • Worked with Mercy to improve patient experience

Future Plans and Foundation Details (01:16:39 – 01:25:33)

  • Lisa looking forward to retirement and focusing on foundation
  • Foundation has provided over $40,000 in mental health care services
  • Counseling funds not limited by age
  • Website: www.liamichaelfoundation.org

Help Is Available

If you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, call or text 988.

Caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone.

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