Offering comfort and hope to families

Having a child with a life-threatening medical condition is every parent’s worst nightmare. Each year, thousands of Georgia families experience this reality, which leads many to a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) hospital. Crystal Scruggs of Statham was once one of them.

At just 13 days old, her daughter Riley was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that caused liver and kidney failure. The infant needed a bone marrow transplant and had to remain hospitalized three months before receiving one.

That’s when the Scruggs family became acquainted with the services of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC). The nonprofit operates two locations that provide a no-cost, supportive “home away from home” for families who travel to Atlanta to access advanced pediatric medical care.

“In a moment of medical crisis, ARMHC keeps families close and removes the stress of finding a place to stay, warm meals, transportation, etc., so they can focus on the wellbeing of their child,” said Sarah Parrish, ARMHC’s director of marketing and external relations.

The need for ARMHC services is rising, prompting Walton Gas to help the local nonprofit expand its legacy of care. The organization joins the Champions for Charity lineup this season.

More room to care

Donations received from the Walton Gas charitable program will help defray expenses associated with operating ARMHC locations serving families with children at CHOA’s Scottish Rite Hospital and Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

Both locations typically operate at capacity. Last year, 3,652 different families were hosted for a total of 26,934 nights of rest.

CARE COUNT: Last year, 3,652 different families were hosted for 26,934 nights of rest at Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities facilities. The cost to house a family for one night is $191.

To meet increasing demand, ARMHC will begin receiving guests at a new $90 million facility next to CHOA’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital, which opened last year to replace the now-closed Egleston Hospital. It will be the first Ronald McDonald House in the Southeast located directly on a hospital campus, making care even more accessible for families.

At 110 rooms, the new ARMHC facility doubles the capacity available for families staying near the hospital. The expansion includes 18 transplant suites to house patients with compromised immune systems and their caregivers. The Scruggs stayed in one of the specialized living spaces, which provided enhanced safety and support for Riley during the extended recovery period following her life-saving transplant surgery.

“Atlanta RMHC alleviated the financial stress of traveling and allowed us to help give Riley the best care possible,” mom Crystal said.

Focused on families

Walton Gas and ARMHC are ideal partners for many reasons. Sara Beddington, marketing specialist for Walton Gas, points out that both are primarily focused on serving Georgia families.

“We’re committed to going beyond gas pipelines and meters to make meaningful connections with the Georgia people and places we serve,” she said. “And about 87% of the families staying at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses come from Georgia communities, representing 136 different counties.”

Parrish echoes Beddington’s thought, stressing that both organizations prioritize building stronger communities.

“Walton Gas has gone the extra mile to provide for other charitable organizations through corporate giving and volunteerism, and ARMHC is honored to be selected for this partnership as the organization impacts families who travel from throughout Georgia to Atlanta for treatment,” she said.

Vote for your favorite

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities joins Annandale Village and Camp Twin Lakes as the featured nonprofits in this year’s Champions for Charity.

Walton Gas donates $1,000 for every Bulldog regular season victory and $5,000 for every post-season win. In addition, new customers can opt to have another $50 donated to one of the three charities. Last season, Walton Gas and its customers combined to donate $41,000 to three local organizations.

Walton Gas customers’ votes will determine how much each nonprofit organization will receive. The voting period opened on Aug. 30 with the first University of Georgia football game.

Go to waltongas.com/uga to vote for ARMHC, Annandale Village or Camp Twin Lakes.