Dr. Mark Palumbo was a distinguished spine surgeon at University Orthopedics who passed away in 2019. His remarkable medical career and deep commitment to the Rhode Island community inspired the renaming of the long-standing University Orthopedics 5K in his honor.

A Race with a Purpose: Supporting The Tomorrow Fund

This meaningful 5K supports The Tomorrow Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial and emotional assistance to children undergoing cancer treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and their families. The fund covers critical needs—ranging from parking and travel expenses to housing, utility support, survivor scholarships, and even funeral costs when necessary.

Year-by-Year Impact

• 2021: The inaugural memorial race raised $40,000 for The Tomorrow Fund.
• 2023: The race shattered records, contributing $52,000—bringing total funds raised across the years to roughly $140,000.
• 2024: Another impressive haul of $40,000 was added, pushing the cumulative total to $177,000 since 2021.

The Course & Race Day Experience

Held each fall at University Orthopedics’ scenic Kettle Point campus in East Providence, the race kicks off at 9 a.m. with a waved start—prioritizing competitive runners early and welcoming walkers and those with strollers in later waves.

The course meanders through Veterans Memorial Parkway, along Squantum Road, and onto the picturesque East Bay Bike Path, offering beautiful waterside views of the Providence skyline before looping back to finish at the campus.

Participants enjoy on-course amenities such as water stations and post-race refreshments including water and fruit.

Logistics at a glance:

• Bib pick-up: 8:00–8:45 a.m. at the Kettle Point campus
• Parking: Onsite and at nearby Butler Hospital; carpooling encouraged
• All proceeds: Net proceeds fully benefit The Tomorrow Fund

Why It Matters

This event is more than a race—it's a celebration of community spirit and Dr. Palumbo’s legacy of care and compassion. His family remains actively involved: Anne Palumbo, his wife, along with their children, Kristen and Mark Jr., play pivotal roles in planning and organizing each year. The seamless coordination by Gray Matter Marketing and strong collaboration with local businesses and sponsors highlight the extensive community support that keeps growing with each race.

Lisa Haines, Executive Director of The Tomorrow Fund, emphasized the profound impact of the event:

“Every amount that is donated, small or large, helps us carry out our mission… 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.”

Looking Ahead

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, 2025, when the 6th annual Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K will take place, continuing its mission of hope, remembrance, and support.

community: honoring an exceptional physician, boosting wellness through running, and creating real change for families navigating childhood cancer. In coming together on the road and in heart, participants ensure that Mark’s spirit—generous, caring, and inspiring—lives on and continues to make a difference.