“Being diagnosed with advanced stage four prostate cancer, finding out there was no surgical ability to cut it out and given a prognosis of only five years was hard.
“Finding out that a simple annual blood test from the age of 50 would have saved my life was even harder.”
Katoomba accountant Greg Farmilo, 64, pleads with other men not to be like him.
The Big Blue BBQ event at the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains will raise awareness for prostate cancer, highlight new treatments with a focus on diet, lifestyle and prevention, and raise funds for research.
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer – 250,000 Australian men currently live with the disease and 11 men die from it in Australia every day – but the least talked about.
It is not known what causes it, nor has a prevention been found.
Mr Farmilo was diagnosed with aggressive, late-stage cancer in early 2021.
“When the oncologist told me that it was ‘terminal’ it nearly broke me.
“By that point it had already spread to my spine, my neck, and my liver. I started chemo soon after, and here I am four years down the track still fighting it.
“I’m sure others are the same.
“Blokes tend to hermit themselves in caves and we don’t always communicate well with other blokes.”
Determined to help bring about change, Mr Farmilo formed the Big Blue BBQ to raise awareness and funds for research, specialist cancer nurses and counselling support for those with the disease.
“My diagnosis has prompted me to push myself to get fitter, to reconnect with old friends, to be a better person and to strengthen my appreciation of the things I used to take for granted.
“Don’t get me wrong, I wish I didn’t have it, but I know that I’m giving it everything I’ve got, and I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic support around me, including my amazing wife Glynis and three daughters.
“But this cancer does not only affect the bloke – it impacts just as aggressively partners and family. I don’t want others to go through what I and my family has.”
The Big Blue Mountains BBQ will be held at the Fairmont Resort in Leura on March 20 and 21.
Day one will focus on awareness with an expert panel featuring Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chairman Associate Professor Steve Callister AM, ANZUP CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Samantha Oakes and presentations by oncologist Dr Amanda Stefanovic, Cancer Wellness Support client services manager Vivienne Maitland, and prostate cancer specialist registered nurse Jose Sinaguinan. The discussion will be live streamed.
Day two will include the Country Big Blue BBQ Feast – Resort style fundraising lunch and Big Auction in the hotel ballroom, with comedian Rebecca De Unamuno and sporting personalities.
Australian test cricketer Mike Whitney, Australian and NSW Blues legends, Mark “Spudd” Carroll and Eric “the Guru” Grothe will then star in the Oz Icons Australian Music Legends Rock Show and discussion in the Fairmont ballroom.
Fairmont Resort general manager Charlie Young said: “This is such an important issue, but we men can be a little nervous and shy talking about it, so this event will help create a safe, fun, understanding environment where we can do that.
“We also want survivors to celebrate their achievements and lives with their families and friends.”
Tickets: $20 single day (March 20), $180 single day (March 21), $240 two-day, $1320 Big Blue BBQ Feast live comedy and auction. Sponsorship packages available, and donations to Big Blue BBQ Inc, a registered charity, are tax deductible.
Go to bigbluebbq.com.au for more details.
