The ache of losing a child is a grief unlike any other, a wound that time attempts to soften but never fully heals. For the St. John family of Washington, D.C., the loss of their daughter, Lola, to leukemia in 2021 didn’t end with her passing. Instead, it sparked a commitment to “live like Lola” – a philosophy of joy, kindness, and embracing every moment – that has reshaped their lives and is now inspiring others. This story explores how the St. Johns are actively building a legacy of love in the face of unimaginable sorrow, and how their approach to grief is resonating with a growing community.
Lola was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, when she was just four years old. Her parents, Meredith and Patrick St. John, along with her older brother, Leo, navigated a grueling period of chemotherapy and hospital stays. Despite the challenges, Lola maintained a remarkable spirit, finding delight in simple things and spreading positivity to everyone she encountered. According to the American Cancer Society, acute myeloid leukemia accounts for roughly 1-2% of all cancers. Learn more about AML here.
A Promise to Live Fully
After Lola’s death, the St. Johns found themselves grappling with a profound emptiness. Meredith St. John described the initial aftermath as “a blur of pain, and disbelief.” They realized they needed a way to honor Lola’s memory that felt authentic to her vibrant personality. The phrase “live like Lola” emerged organically, encapsulating her approach to life: with boundless enthusiasm, unwavering kindness, and a focus on finding joy in everyday moments.
The family began intentionally incorporating Lola’s values into their daily routines. This meant prioritizing experiences over material possessions, performing random acts of kindness, and actively seeking out opportunities to connect with others. They started a family tradition of “Lola’s Adventures,” where they would embark on outings – a visit to the zoo, a picnic in the park, a bike ride – with the intention of fully immersing themselves in the experience, just as Lola would have.
From Personal Grief to Community Impact
What began as a personal coping mechanism quickly evolved into something larger. The St. Johns started sharing their “live like Lola” journey on social media, using the hashtag #LiveLikeLola. The response was overwhelming. People from all walks of life resonated with their message, sharing their own stories of loss and finding inspiration in Lola’s spirit.
The family then established the Live Like Lola Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer and promoting acts of kindness in Lola’s memory. The foundation funds programs that provide emotional and financial support to families, organizes volunteer events, and awards grants to organizations that are making a positive impact in the community. As of March 2024, the foundation has raised over $250,000, according to their website. You can locate more information about the Live Like Lola Foundation here.
Expanding the Circle of Kindness
The impact of “live like Lola” extends beyond the St. John family and the foundation they’ve created. Schools, community groups, and businesses have adopted the philosophy, organizing “Lola Days” filled with acts of kindness and fundraising events. Leo, now a young boy navigating life without his sister, has become a powerful advocate for the foundation, sharing his story and inspiring others to embrace Lola’s spirit.
Patrick St. John emphasizes that “living like Lola” isn’t about pretending to be happy all the time, but rather about choosing to focus on the decent, even in the midst of pain. “It’s about finding joy in the little things, being kind to others, and making the most of every moment,” he explains. “Lola taught us that life is precious, and we seek to honor her memory by living each day to the fullest.”
The St. Johns are currently planning their annual “Lola’s Lemonade Stand” event in June, a community-wide fundraiser where volunteers set up lemonade stands to raise money for the Live Like Lola Foundation. They are likewise working on expanding the foundation’s reach to provide support to more families across the country. Updates on these initiatives and other foundation activities can be found on their website and social media channels.
If you or someone you realize is struggling with grief or loss, resources are available. You can reach the Grief Support Network at 1-888-929-2929 or visit their website at https://www.griefsupportnetwork.org/.
The story of Lola St. John and her family is a testament to the enduring power of love and the transformative potential of grief. “Live like Lola” is more than just a hashtag; it’s a call to action, a reminder to embrace life’s simple joys, and a celebration of a little girl who left an indelible mark on the world. What began as a family’s way of coping with loss has blossomed into a movement of kindness, inspiring countless others to live more fully and spread a little bit of Lola’s light.
Share this story and let us know how you “live like Lola” in the comments below.
