Quality of life for all (QoLA)

What is QoLA?

QoLA is a program that helps care for and support St. Jude patients and families. The letters stand for “quality of life for all.” We pronounce it “koala” (kwAH-luh).

We believe everyone has a basic right to:

• Laugh out loud
• Play
• Have a reason to smile
• Find a moment of joy

For patients with complex medical conditions such as cancer, having a good quality of life can be challenging. This is where the St. Jude QoLA team hopes to help. Our mission is simple. We sit with you, listen to you, and find ways to make each day a little better for you and your child.

The QoLA team

The St. Jude QoLA team includes:

• Doctors
• Nurse practitioners
• Nurses
• Psychologists

We work closely with your child’s primary health care team, but we do not replace them. Instead, the QoLA team gives you an extra source of support. We help provide the best care to children and families facing serious illness. We want to help make every day as good as possible.

Working with other 
St. Jude care teams

Your QoLA team starts by getting to know your child and your family. We want to learn what makes you, your child, and your family unique. Getting to know you allows us to learn what is most important to your family.Every family cares about different things. For some it is laughter or being together as a family. For others it is rest or spending time with friends. Your QoLA team can help design a care plan that meets the needs of your whole family. Then, we can help share that plan with your child’s care team. We will work to support you. We will also help you make decisions when you tell us what you want.

Help with your child’s symptoms

The QoLA team works with your child’s St. Jude care team to relieve cancer symptoms and treatment side effects. We find creative ways for your child to have as much good time as possible each day.

Symptoms we can help with include:

• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sleep problems
• Constipation
• Any other symptoms that make your child uncomfortable

Support at home

We want you and your child to feel that you have support, in the hospital and at home. If your child’s primary team feels it would help, the QoLA team can help arrange home care services in your local area.

QoLA Kids Home-Based Program

The QoLA Kids Home-Based Program is an extension of the St. Jude QoLA team. The QoLA Kids Program staff includes:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Child life specialists

They work closely with your child’s main health care team.

QoLA Kids Program staff can visit you at home or in St. Jude housing. We can:

• Do lab tests in your home
• Give medicines
• Help you look for financial help
• Support you and your family
• Check on your child’s symptoms and help manage them