For Its 40th Anniversary, Northwestern University Dance Marathon Takes on the Fight Against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy March 4, 2014 In the past 39 years, Northwestern University Dance Marathon has raised more than $14 million for more than thirty different worthy and important beneficiaries. Now, for the 40th anniversary of the all student led 30-hour dance event, NUDM is taking on the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and dancing for Team Joseph.