Elonthon Dance Marathon is a 13.1-hour dance marathon benefiting the patients and families at Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center. It was started in 2003 by a very passionate and service-minded group of students from Elon University in North Carolina celebrating an amazing local boy named Mason Lindley. These students were interested in making an emotional and financial impact on the patients and families of Duke Children's. Two hundred students participated in the inaugural event in Elon's south gym, staying on their feet and dancing for 24 straight hours. Through their efforts, they collectively raised $28,500. Today, Elonthon serves as the University's largest student-run campus program, as well as the largest philanthropic event on campus. Since 2003, our event has switched to 13.1-hours instead of 24 to make our event more accessible to our community and Miracle Families. As a result, each spring, Elon students have the opportunity to participate for 6 or 13.1 hours. Throughout the event, participants have the opportunity to hear the incredible stories of strength from extremely inspirational patient ambassadors, or Miracle Children. Participants can also learn the Morale dance, compete in Color Wars, watch entertainment acts, play video games, participate in in-event fundraising, dance their heart out, and more. Over the last 20 years, Elonthon has raised over 2 million dollars to help change kids’ health and change the future!