University Orthopedics Inc. (UOI), based in East Providence, Rhode Island, is renaming the facility’s 5K run the Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K. Runners and walkers are welcome to join in on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
This year’s local beneficiary is 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. Palumbo, a beloved spine surgeon, passed away in September 2019.
“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.
According to University Orthopedics, Dr. Palumbo’s wife Anne Palumbo and her daughter Kirsten and Mark, Jr. will participate in planning this year’s event. She stated, “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.”
“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.”
Reflecting on his colleague and friend, Dr. Akelman told OTW, “Dr. Palumbo was a great outdoorsman so he would have loved getting everyone together to participate at this beautiful Kettle Point location that his vision helped make into a reality. He and his wife Anne were also very involved in The Tomorrow Fund. Dr. Palumbo would have been very thankful that all proceeds will be going to this charity and the great things they do in supporting local children battling cancer and their families.”
Asked about the lead-up to the event, he noted, “The planning is going extremely well. Dr. Palumbo was a well-known and well-respected pillar in the community. From the initial announcement, sponsors and participants have already begun to show great support. We expect this to continue to grow during the coming weeks. We look forward to a great event that will not only be a fitting tribute to Dr. Palumbo’s life but an annual fundraiser that will support a deserving cause.”
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.
