Elon University’s Alumni Gym was transformed into a sea of energy April 11 as the community gathered for the 2026 Elonthon. The six-hour dance marathon, one of Elon’s many philanthropic events, brought students together to raise over $47,000 for Duke Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals in the U.S. and Canada.
While the main event is defined by high energy and constant movement according to participants, the heart of the marathon lies in the stories of the families it supports.
For 16-year-old Victoria Calderon, a student ambassador for Duke Children’s Hospital, the event is a celebration of the care that saved her life.
“When I was nine, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and that was a rough time,” Calderon said. “But Duke made it so amazing and made me feel so loved and supported, as they care about me as a person, and not just about the diabetes.”
Victoria's journey took an even more serious turn during her initial hospital discharge when doctors discovered Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart condition caused by an extra electrical pathway in the heart that can lead to cardiac arrest. After undergoing heart surgery and learning to manage her diabetes simultaneously, Victoria turned her internal battle into a platform for advocacy.
“I love Duke, like, I couldn't say enough good things about them, so just like, yes, I'd love to be an ambassador,” Calderon said. “I just go around and share my story with everybody and hopefully inspire people.”
Duke Children’s Hospital Ambassador Victoria Calderon dances with Elon University students during the Elonthon 2026 in Alumni Gym on April 11.
Her mother, Rebecca Calderon, watched from the sidelines, reflecting on the traumatic weeks that changed their lives forever.
“Initially, it was very scary and shocking. No one in our family had it,” Rebecca said. “Knowing there are people out there that you don’t even know supporting you, providing financial support when you’re going through something so traumatic. It’s heartwarming.”
For Victoria, the support from Children’s Miracle Network came in many forms, including a visit from a therapy dog that brightened her week in the hospital.
Across the gym, student leaders coordinated the logistics of the event. Andrea Perez, vice president of operations, has been involved with the organization since her freshman year. She noted that while the fundraising is vital, the event’s true purpose is connection and advocacy.
“I think people wanted something to connect to their broader community, and this is a great way to not only connect, but meet the people we were actually impacting,” Perez said. “Whether you raise money or you don’t, you are showing your support, and that still means a lot.”
The impact of the hospital’s care has stayed with Victoria far beyond her recovery. Now a confident teenager, she said she doesn’t let her insulin pump or her diagnosis slow her down. In fact, she said it has defined her path forward as she plans to become a pediatric endocrinology nurse practitioner.
“I plan to continue raising advocacy for Duke and just bringing like hope and encouragement, inspiration, to raise more awareness for Duke, that way more kids can receive the same hope.”
As the final numbers were revealed and the music faded, Victoria felt the marathon was a bridge between the care she received and the care she intends to give.
“Instead of looking at it with a negative point of view, now, I think about it more positively,” Victoria said. “I really value the opportunity to go out and share my story; it's more personal, and I think that's so important, and it really raises advocacy.”