University Orthopedics Renaming 5K in Memory of Dr. Mark Palumbo

In an effort to turn a tragic loss into a hopeful tomorrow for pediatric cancer patients and their families, University Orthopedics is pleased to announce our annual 5K will now be called the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K. The event, open to runners and walkers alike, will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Each year, the race raises money for a local charity with the proceeds from this year’s race going to The Tomorrow Fund - a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support for children being treated for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and their families.
Dr. Mark Palumbo, a renowned spine surgeon, passed away in September 2019. He was not only a beloved member of the University Orthopedics family, he was a highly regarded pillar of the community.
“Dr. Palumbo improved the lives of countless patients throughout his esteemed career. He was not only an accomplished surgeon but a true leader and someone who inspired many in the field of medicine," said University Orthopedics President Dr. Edward Akelman.
Dr. Palumbo’s wife Anne Palumbo will have an active role in planning this year’s event along with her daughter Kristen and son Mark Jr. Anne reflected on what this tribute has meant to her family. “We are humbled and honored to have the University Orthopedics 5K Race named in memory of Mark. Mark dedicated over 25 years at UOI and was proud to call his work team ‘his family.’ I feel privileged to work together with his team on this event knowing it will be a great success. Thank you for helping us keep his memory alive,” said Anne.
The Palumbo family has supported The Tomorrow Fund and held active roles with the Providence, RI-based charity for many years.

“We couldn’t be more appreciative that University Orthopedics has selected The Tomorrow Fund as the beneficiary of this year’s 5K,” said Lisa Abbenante, Executive Director of The Tomorrow Fund. “Funded entirely by the generosity of our donors, The Tomorrow Fund provides vital support for children with cancer and their families - from parking fees to housing and travel assistance. Our goal is to make a frightening and traumatic experience a little less daunting for all members of the family.”
The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th at 9 a.m. It will start at University Orthopedics picturesque Kettle Point campus in East Providence, then turn onto Veteran's Memorial Parkway, head down Squantum Road and onto the East Bay Bike Path. From there, the race heads north on the bike path with beautiful waterside views of the Providence skyline, before turning back onto Veteran's Memorial and heading south for a finish on the Kettle Point campus. At the end of the race, runners and their supporters will be invited to celebrate with food.
Race day operations will be handled by Gray Matter Marketing. Registration is currently open with early bird pricing available through the end of March. For more information on the event, as well as information on how to sponsor The Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K, visit www.universityorthopedics.com/5K.
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About University Orthopedics
University Orthopedics, with clinic locations in Barrington, East Greenwich, East Providence, Johnston, Providence, Middletown, North Providence, West Warwick and Westerly, is a regional Center for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, with specialties in back and neck pain, joint pain, sports medicine problems, shoulder conditions, pediatric orthopedics, musculoskeletal tumors, hand and wrist problems, hip and knee conditions, trauma, foot and ankle injuries. UOI includes more than 45 board-certified orthopedic, fellowship-trained musculoskeletal and sports medicine physicians. These specialists are faculty members of the Department of Orthopaedics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University who teach medical students, orthopedic residents, and fellowship sub-specialty surgeons. University Orthopedics leads the way with Basic and Clinical orthopedic research on the latest advances in orthopedic surgery and injury prevention.
About The Tomorrow Fund
The Tomorrow Fund, an independent non-profit charitable organization, provides daily financial and emotional support to children with cancer and their families treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The Tomorrow Fund strives to ensure access to the highest level of comprehensive care while raising public awareness of childhood cancer.
About Gray Matter Marketing
Gray Matter Marketing is a full-service marketing and event management agency based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Founded in 2012, the company has quickly built a reputation for well organized, philanthropic lifestyle events, including the Amica Newport Marathon, Citizens Bank Pell Bridge Run, the 4 Bridges Ride, and the BankNewport 10 Miler. As of 2020, the company has donated more than $1.4 million to local and regional nonprofits.