Memorial 5K remembers spine surgeon, supports children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The 4th annual Mark Palumbo Memorial University Orthopedics 5K took place on the East Bay Bike Path on Sunday.

The race supported The Tomorrow Fund, a non-profit that provides financial and emotional support for children and families at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and is named for Dr. Mark Palumbo, a “renowned spine surgeon” at University Orthopedics who supported the organization for years before his death in 2019.

“Having a fundraiser of this magnitude really makes a tremendous amount of difference in ensuring our programs continue in a forward motion,” The Tomorrow Fund Executive Director Lisa Abbenante said.

The event was planned with the support of Palumbo’s wife Anne and his children Kristen and Mark, Jr.

“I know Mark would be proud of all that we’ve accomplished in his name,” Anne said.

Columbo’s nephew won the men’s race, and said he was “inspired by his uncle’s voice in his head” the entire race.