Carlo de Lorenzi, a Toronto runner diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, has achieved his remarkable goal of running every street in the city. Over three years, he covered more than 5,600 kilometres while raising over $20,000 for the Community Music Schools of Toronto.
Running Against the Odds
De Lorenzi began his journey in 2022, initially aiming to raise one dollar for every street he ran. In May, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour. With his doctors’ approval, he kept running, determined to finish.
“One of the first things after I received the diagnosis that I was thinking about was I have to finish this and I have to get back on the road,” he said.
Fundraising for Music Education
His “Takin’ it to the Streets” challenge, named after the Doobie Brothers song, nearly doubled its fundraising goal. Donations will help provide free music lessons to more than 800 children annually.
Allison Bone of the Community Music Schools said de Lorenzi’s perseverance was inspiring:
“There’s so much else kids learn beyond music — teamwork, creativity, following passion. Carlo embodied all of that.”
Health and Inspiration
Experts say his accomplishment highlights how exercise can offer autonomy and purpose during serious illness. Catherine Sabiston, a professor at the University of Toronto, noted that physical activity provides not just health benefits, but also empowerment and community.
The Finish Line
On September 19, de Lorenzi completed his challenge with a final kilometre run to the Community Music Schools, joined by supporters. To celebrate, instructors played Takin’ it to the Streets with de Lorenzi himself on the keys.
“I wasn’t sure at certain points in the challenge that I would finish it. I’m so glad I managed to do it,” he said.
