Toronto resident with brain cancer successfully completed a run on every street within the city
Toronto Resident Completes Epic Run for Music Education Charity
Carlo De Lorenzi, a 68-year-old resident of Toronto, has achieved an extraordinary feat by running on all 10,390 streets in the city, including laneways, and raising over $18,000 for the Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST).
De Lorenzi's journey began in August 2022, with the retired school teacher hopping on the TTC five to six times a week to a new neighborhood for a morning jog. His initial goal was to raise $10,390 for the CMST, a charity that provides music and general skills training to children in Regent Park and Jane and Finch.
De Lorenzi's decision to support the CMST was influenced by his lifelong love of music, instilled by his Italian immigrant parents. His fundraising effort was named "Takin' it to the Streets," a nod to the Doobie Brothers hit that he played on keyboard during the event's grand finale.
The final run had a lot of fanfare, with bugle horns, tambourines, and cheers from family, friends, and supporters. Faculty from the CMST played instruments as De Lorenzi crossed the finish line. A special moment came when a plaque for the new "Carlo Music Room" dedicated to De Lorenzi was unveiled during the event. The inauguration of the "Carlo Music Room" at the CMST was performed by Carlo Rubbia.
Despite being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, in May of this year, De Lorenzi continued his goal. He was already back out on the streets after completing his first round of chemotherapy in July, planning to finish his goal only one month behind schedule in September.
Richard Marsella, the executive director of CMST, said the event was going to be one that sits in their memories forever. The event included a performance of the Doobie Brothers hit "Takin' it to the Streets" – played by De Lorenzi on keyboard and the CMST faculty.
By Friday, De Lorenzi had not only completed his run but ended up nearly doubling his fundraising goal, raising over $18,000 for the CMST. His supporters were out in force on Friday, cheering at the finish line. Judy, De Lorenzi's wife, pulled out tissues during the event, moved by the outpouring of support for her husband.
As De Lorenzi takes a well-deserved rest, he has expressed his intention to continue jogging around his neighborhood. His inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can make in their community.
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