89. When Mental Health Becomes Personal... A Sister's Promise: Turning Pain into Purpose Part 2

In this deeply personal second part, Kaylee Nishizawa opens up about how her grief became a mission—and how the loss of her younger brother, Liam Nishizawa, led to the birth of something far bigger than she ever imagined.

Video version of this eps: https://youtu.be/ohcPNAenLgw

What began as a tribute… …became a movement to make sure Liam’s name, light, and story would never be forgotten—and to ensure no one else would feel alone in their darkness.

After Liam’s passing by suicide at age 15, Kaylee—still recovering from a life-altering car accident and navigating her own mental health journey—began designing a tribute clothing line in his honour. But in a breathtaking twist of fate, she discovered that Liam had quietly been working on his own mental health brand in the final three weeks of his life, alongside his best friend Clarice.

They had named it: LowKure.

A symbol of pain and healing, “LowKure” represented the lows we all face—insecurities, struggles, mental health battles—and the journey to find light again. Liam had even swapped the “C” for a “K” because he thought it looked cooler. And unknowingly, these initials—LK—would later come to stand for something even deeper: Liam & Kaylee.

The beautiful realization of the meaning behind “LK,” caught on camera during this episode, became a beacon of purpose for Kaylee—a moment of divine clarity that this was what she was meant to do. That this movement was already forming—and she was here to carry it forward. From that moment, she dove fully into building a greater mission in Liam’s name—a vision she’s been dedicated to over the last five months since this podcast was filmed.

What began as a sister’s tribute became a shared vision. A brand was reborn—infused with deeper purpose, legacy, and love.

Today, LowKure by Liam has grown into LowKure for You—a nonprofit initiative dedicated to:

• Suicide prevention and mental health support

• Accessible mental health education and identity resources

• Symbolic fashion that invites meaningful conversation

• Community events and partnerships that create safe spaces for healing

This episode captures the heart of the movement. Since then, Kaylee has expanded Liam’s original drawings into symbolic logos—each one representing a different chapter of the human journey: grief, healing, courage, and growth.

Through LowKure’s free digital resource hub and upcoming community events launching across Canada, Kaylee continues to fulfill the promise she made at her brother’s funeral: to keep Liam’s light shining.

Every piece in LowKure carries a message:

“Your story matters. You are not alone. We see you.”

Join the mission: www.lowkure.myshopify.com (http://www.lowkure.myshopify.com/) https://www.youtube.com/@LowKure https://www.instagram.com/lowkure_by_liam/?igsh=MXJvM3lyYWFlOHA3NQ%3D%3D#

LowKure is looking for likeminded business and individuals to help move this mission forward. If you or your business would like to support our nonprofit through donations, sponsorships, community partnerships, or co-hosted events, please contact Kaylee through the Support Our Mission page.