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