Rose Watkins ALS Tour Celebrated Anniversary
The Kansas City-based nonprofit marked its first year by hosting a VIP event for patients at Arrowhead Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Rose Watkins ALS Tour of Dreams celebrated its one-year anniversary on September 24, 2026, with a special event at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Founded to honor the memory of Rose Watkins, who died from ALS in 2023, the organization provides unique experiences for patients battling the disease.
Why it matters
The tours offer ALS patients vital opportunities to engage in new activities and leave their homes despite the progression of their illness. By coordinating specialized logistics, the nonprofit helps families create lasting memories and provides respite for those affected by the terminal condition.
The organization has successfully facilitated 150 VIP stadium tours for ALS patients in its inaugural year. This represents the total output of the nonprofit since its founding in September 2025.
The players
Amecco Watkins
Amecco Watkins is the founder of the nonprofit who established the organization to honor his late mother and provide charitable support to other ALS patients.
Morris Smith Ford
Morris Smith Ford is a dealership based in Leavenworth, Kansas, and serves as the first corporate sponsor for the Rose Watkins ALS Tour of Dreams.
The details
The nonprofit manages complex logistics, including the provision of specialized vans for power wheelchairs, to ensure patients can access stadiums like those of the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys. The initiative recently secured its first corporate sponsorship from Morris Smith Ford of Leavenworth to support its continued growth.
Timeline
Rose Watkins died from ALS in 2023.
The Rose Watkins ALS Tour of Dreams was founded in September 2025.
The nonprofit celebrated its first anniversary at Arrowhead Stadium on September 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
The formation of the tour organization follows a pattern set by the death of Rose Watkins, turning a personal tragedy into an active patient advocacy mission. This initiative reflects a broader trend of niche nonprofits forming to provide specialized support services that fill gaps left by traditional healthcare systems.
Patients and their families in the Kansas City area can engage with the organization to request assistance for future outings. The expansion into non-stadium locations and potential international experiences may offer more diverse opportunities for supporters and participants in the future.
The takeaway
The success of the Rose Watkins ALS Tour of Dreams demonstrates the significant impact that community-led initiatives can have on the quality of life for terminal patients. Readers can support these efforts by looking into local volunteer opportunities or partnering with regional organizations that provide specialized accessibility services.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Kansas City Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSHB 41 Kansas City News.
