Callista Dillion: 2026 Riley Champion presented by Kroger
Restarting Terre Haute South Vigo High School’s Dance Marathon program was deeply special for Callista Dillion. It was a way to support every Riley kid like herself.
She was just 5 years old when unusual markings began to appear on her face and neck. After months of misdiagnoses, her family turned to the rheumatology team at Riley Children’s Health. That’s where her diagnosis was confirmed: scleroderma. “It’s an autoimmune disease, and it’s like a hardening of the skin,” Callista said. “It looked like a rash, but it didn’t itch like a rash.”
Callista began aggressive treatment that included infusions and injections three times a week at Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North, followed by years of at-home care.
“The part I remember most about Riley is how bright it is and how fun it was to be there, making friendship bead bracelets with the nurses,” Callista said.
Her mom, Krissi Dillion, remembers the difficult days. “The infusions were painful, and they just drained her so much,” Krissi added. “We often used the Riley wagons just to get her around or for her to lie in during treatment.”
Today, one of those Riley wagons is dedicated in Callista’s honor and celebrates the funds she and her family raised. Over the years, they have hosted a Cookies and Canvas event, sold popsicles, set up a dunk tank and raised funds for “Buzzy Bees,” a device to ease needle pain. After participating in Riley Dance Marathons at Indiana State University, she was inspired to restart the program at her high school during her sophomore year.
Her educator dad, Gregg Dillion, is the faculty advisor. Proud doesn’t even begin to describe how he feels about his daughter’s opportunity to be a Riley Champion during her senior year of high school.
“She has done a lot of work and put in a lot of hours to give back to Riley,” Gregg said.
One popular fundraiser supporting Dance Marathon involved a “Traveling Riley Wagon,” placed in yards to prompt donations.
“We started out at our rival school principal’s house, so that was pretty fun,” Callista said.
Her former principal, Tammy Rowshandel, Ph.D., describes Callista as a natural leader, mover and shaker. “She is an exemplary example of an impactful ambassador,” Dr. Rowshandel said.
In Callista’s first year leading her Dance Marathon in 2024, the program broke its fundraising record with over $18,000 raised. They broke the record again this past year with over $24,000 raised. Callista was named a Riley Children’s Foundation Class of 2025 Next Generation Philanthropist.
As a 2026 Riley Champion, she hopes to help the program raise over $25,000 this year to round out her high school career.
“I’m just really thankful,” Callista said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given.”
