Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) released ‘Betty Lou Tours America,’ a children’s book that highlights Betty Lou, ARMHC’s certified therapy dog’s travels across America. Based on true stories, the children’s book raises awareness about Ronald McDonald House Charities’ nationwide impact of supporting families throughout their child’s medical journey.

Inspired by his son’s stay at ARMHC’s Peachtree Dunwoody House near Scottish Rite in Atlanta, Matthew Eldridge, the author of ‘Betty Lou Tours America’ and ARMHC’s evening manager, wrote the story to highlight the organization’s commitment to serving families in a moment of crisis. From New Orleans to El Paso, to Honolulu, to Atlanta and other cities, Betty Lou visits children facing a variety of medical conditions to put a smile on their face as they undergo treatment. 

“Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities was a home away from home for my family while my son, Dawson, underwent triple open-heart surgery in 2019,” said Eldridge. “During our greatest time of need, ARMHC offered key resources and a tight-knit community that were crucial to my family’s wellbeing and Dawson’s recovery. I wanted to bring light to Betty Lou, ARMHC’s Chief Happiness Officer, as she is one of the special aspects of ARMHC that helps children enjoy being a kid during medical challenges.”

 In its 45th year, ARMHC has served nearly 80,000 families through lodging, dining, transportation and more. The organization currently operates near Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and is in the process of building a new House next to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

“ARMHC has touched the hearts of thousands of families who travel across Georgia for our services, and the need continues to grow,” said Tracey Atwater, President and CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. “‘Betty Lou Tours America’ is a special story that showcases the importance of our organization, and we hope that through its launch, we continue to garner community support to help children and families in need.”

‘Betty Lou Tours America’ is available for purchase online at (armhc.org/Betty-Lou). All proceeds raised from the book will benefit ARMHC 

For more information about ARMHC and ways to get involved, please visit armhc.org.