Let Your Light Shine

A Grieving Mother's Promise & Purpose 

September is widely observed as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day globally recognized on September 10, a day to focus on changing the narrative around suicide, removing stigma, and securing vital resources.

When suicide touches you and your family, the world can suddenly become very small and isolating. Unless you’re a mom on a mission.

On August 1st, 2021, Jevon Patrick Link died by suicide, leaving family and friends to struggle with profound loss. In 2020, Jevon’s mental health started to decline, according to his mom Louann Link, a nurse and member of the NSNU who noticed her son might be at risk. Tragically, her mother’s instincts and nursing background confirmed her worst fear. 

Like his dad, Jevon was a lobster fisherman on the south shore of Nova Scotia; the 27-year-old played golf and hockey, he was fun loving and well-liked. Over the course of a year, his behaviour changed prompting trips to see various healthcare professionals and interventions that came up woefully short. Louann's efforts to help Jevon were also limited by privacy laws that protect adult patient confidentiality.

Soon, the Link family understood their story is painfully common and that access to mental health care in Nova Scotia is critically lacking. This realization led Louann to channel her grief into activism. She built a community among coworkers, neighbours, family, and strangers—all united by a shared purpose to advocate for those navigating mental health challenges and suicide loss. She discovered and created a shared lifeline through, and for, countless others. 

“At first, I was angry that the system failed Jevon, then I learned speaking up, reaching out and listening to others who might self-harm is effective and therapeutic. I’m still angry about wait times, especially on the south shore and other rural areas, however making these life connections can have a positive impact,” says Louann.

In the beginning, Louann leaned into Roots of Hope Nova Scotia for information about suicide prevention and the life promotion initiatives, resources, partnerships, and community-led projects available across the province. She started hosting memorial golf and hockey tournaments, and other initiatives to raise money. She founded the Let your Light Shine Jevon Link Society to raise awareness and funds for people in need of access to private care. 

The Society leads community wellness in southwestern Nova Scotia by training facilitators and delivering essential workshops, including safeTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training or ASIST training certification. 

SafeTALK is a half-day workshop that teaches people, including health care workers, to recognize the signs of suicide, talk about it openly, and connect individuals with life-saving support. ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid, teaching participants to recognize when someone may be experiencing suicidal ideation and work with them to ensure their immediate safety.

Through her advocacy and legacy building for Jevon, Louann has secured grants to cover training expenses, she presents her message to nursing students at the Nova Scotia Community College, she has accompanied families and individuals on doctor and hospital visits, and she’s lobbied government for policy change. As part of a peer-led, grassroots advocacy organization created by mothers with lived experience supporting adult children with serious mental illness and addictions, Nova Scotia Moms for Compassionate and Collaborative Mental Health Care (NSMoms) pushed to amend the Personal Health Information Act.  

On April 1, 2026, the amendment took effect, removing the requirement that the significant danger be “imminent,” allowing healthcare professionals to consider disclosure earlier when they believe it may help avert or minimize danger. 

Louann, a determined and seemingly tireless mom, has not been alone, finding healing and strength in the company of her husband and sons, her friends, her VON coworkers, and a community that’s embraced her. Her dear friend Mary Dawn Greenwood, also an NSNU member, has been by her side every step of the way. Having raised sons who were childhood playmates and having worked alongside each other at Yarmouth Regional and the VON, they’ve formed a bond that’s proven unbreakable, especially in difficult times.

“I have known Louann since the late 90s. Our shared compassion and empathy have allowed us to take this journey together. I would drop everything to be there for her,” says Mary Dawn.

In the five years since Jevon’s passing, their advocacy has evolved through experience and insight. They are now better equipped to recognize early signs of crisis, create safe spaces for others to speak out about a heavily stigmatized issue, and significantly expand community access to vital resources.

While Jevon’s passing leaves lasting heartache, Louann finds comfort sitting peacefully on a bench dedicated to him at the golf course where he loved to play and in the knowing she’s making a difference.