Kashia Faumui was a talented musician and artist whose life was marked by creativity, extraordinary courage, and a deeply personal journey with mental health. From a young age, she showed strength and independence, initially managing her struggles with faith, creativity, and determination.

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In her early twenties, Kashia sought professional support and remained proactive in trying to understand and improve her mental wellbeing. Over time, her condition became more complex, and she was eventually diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder, a serious mental illness that combines symptoms of mood disorders and psychosis.

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Despite the challenges she faced, Kashia continued to fight for her health. She explored a wide range of treatments and approaches including therapy, research, alternative methods, and lifestyle changes demonstrating resilience and a strong desire to regain stability. Her journey included multiple hospitalisations over recent years as she worked to manage her condition.

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Kashia was open about her diagnosis and carried herself with honesty and dignity. She continued to express herself through music and visual art, using creativity as both an outlet and a way to connect with others. Her final original song, "Re-writing," reflects her lived experience and emotional depth, offering insight into her internal world.

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On Sunday 22nd of February 2026, while under active psychiatric care, Kashia travelled overseas to Lima Peru alone and passed away a few days later on the 24th. Her passing in Peru, highlighted critical gaps in communication and safeguards within mental health and border systems gaps that our family has since committed to addressing.

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After many weeks of negotiations and communication between the authorities in Peru and Australia, Kashia was finally able to return home on 22 April 2026. We laid her to rest on Friday, 1 May 2026.

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Kashia is remembered for her bravery, openness, and the love she shared with her family and community. Her legacy lives on through her music, her art, and the establishment of the Kashia Faumui Foundation, which seeks to improve mental health systems, support research, and ensure that no other family experiences a similar loss.