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 recently to present a check for $45,000 to The Tomorrow Fund. The proceeds from the 2025 running of the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K brings the total the event has raised for the charity since 2021 to $222,000.
Breaking an event record, more than 330 people converged on the East Bay Pike Path on September 13 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.
“The outpouring of support for this event continues to amaze us. Each person who participates—whether by running, sponsoring, or simply showing up—helps strengthen Mark’s legacy of compassion,” said Anne Palumbo, Dr. Palumbo’s wife. “Knowing that these efforts directly support children and families facing cancer is profoundly meaningful to all of us.”
“Each year, this event and the outpouring of community support is a beautiful reminder of the love our father had for his patients, this community, and especially The Tomorrow Fund,” said Mark Palumbo, Jr., Dr. Palumbo’s son and a marketing outreach manager at University Orthopedics. “From the sponsors and participants, to those who come out to cheer, we thank everyone for helping us keep our father’s spirit and commitment alive through their support.”
The Tomorrow Fund provides financial and emotional support to families of children being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, helping cover bigger expenses like housing, utilities, and travel expenses, to paying for smaller costs like hospital parking. The Fund also provides support programs and scholarship opportunities to survivors and will cover funeral expenses for children who lose their courageous battle.
“Every contribution—whether big or small—moves our mission forward by supporting children fighting cancer and the families standing beside them. The generosity shown through this event over the past four years has meaningfully expanded how many families we can reach and the level of assistance we’re able to provide,” said Lisa Haines, executive director of The Tomorrow Fund.
Dr. Palumbo’s daughter, Kristen Palumbo, a physician assistant at UOI, joined her mother and brother 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.
