GLENROSE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION  |
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He was 25 years old. The day before, he had 
been living an active life, pursuing his passions 
and building a future in Canada. By the end 
of that day, he was paralyzed from the waist 
down. Baldini had a cavernoma, a rare cluster 
of blood vessels in his spine that spontaneously 
burst overnight. 
Today, reflecting on his childhood, he can’t help 
but talk about his love for music. “Music has 
always been part of my life,” he says. Baldini’s 
been playing piano since he was five years old. 
After moving to Canada from Italy nearly a 
decade ago, he continued to pursue music 
professionally. While he’s classically trained in 
piano, he also holds degrees in environmental 
science and forestry. In 2021, he opened 
Strathcona Microgreens, a microgreenery in 
Edmonton. 
While music and farming may seem like unlikely 
pairings, for Baldini, they’re both creative 
expressions, each requiring a willingness to 
experiment. That quality would soon become 
essential for him in a completely different way. 
Six years ago, 
Riccardo Baldini 
woke up unable to 
move his left leg.  
Riccardo Baldini performing at the 2025 Courage Gala

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