EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. — University Orthopedics and family members of late spine surgeon Mark Palumbo gathered at the practice’s Kettle Point location in East Providence this week to celebrate its cherished relationship with The Tomorrow Fund and to present a check for $40,000. The proceeds from the 2024 running of the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K brings the total the event has raised for the charity since 2021 to $177,000.
Hundreds of people converged on the East Bay Pike Path on September 15 for the annual event, which is named in honor of Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned University Orthopedics spine surgeon who passed away in 2019. In addition to being a highly regarded doctor, he was also extremely active in the community. The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years.
“Helping others, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time with family were all very important to our father,” said Mark Palumbo, Jr., Dr. Palumbo’s son and a marketing outreach manager at University Orthopedics. “This event, and the incredible community support it has received year after year, enables us to continue his legacy while helping support a charity so near to his heart.”
The Tomorrow Fund provides financial and emotional support to families of children being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. It helps cover bigger expenses like housing, utilities, and travel expenses and pays for smaller costs like hospital parking. The Fund also provides survivors support programs and scholarship opportunities and will cover funeral expenses for children who lose their courageous battle.
“Every amount that is donated, small or large, helps us carry out our mission of helping children battling cancer and their families. But the amount of money this event has raised over the last four years has truly had a significant impact on the number of families we’re able to help and what we can do for them,” said Lisa Haines, executive director of The Tomorrow Fund.
Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife, and her daughter, Kristen Palumbo, a physician assistant at UOI joined Mark Palumbo, Jr. in taking an active role in planning this year’s event. From Gray Matter Marketing, which handled race-day operations, to local businesses and organizations that made monetary and raffle donations, University Orthopedics’ partners were once again vital to the success of this event.