The Gambaro Cancer Care Lunch reaches a significant milestone in September, marking 15 years of extraordinary community generosity and life-changing impact at The Wesley Hospital.

What began as a community fundraising event, inspired by the Gambaro family’s personal connection to cancer, has grown into one of Queensland’s most significant health fundraising initiatives.

For 15 years, the Gambaro family has remained at the heart of the event, championing its vision and bringing together community supporters and corporate partners behind a shared commitment to improving cancer care.

During that time, the Gambaro community has raised more than $2.1 million to advance prostate cancer care, invest in innovative technology, strengthen patient support services and enhance healing environments.

The impact of this generosity is especially evident across The Wesley’s prostate cancer program.

One of its most significant achievements was supporting the introduction of NanoKnife technology, enabling Queensland’s first NanoKnife procedure. This pioneering technology offers eligible patients a minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer while helping preserve surrounding healthy tissue.

Fundraising has also supported the establishment of a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Support Nurse position. Since its introduction, the service has supported more than 8,000 patients and their families, providing information, guidance and emotional support from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

The event’s impact also extends beyond direct patient care. Donations have helped The Wesley remain at the forefront of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, including pioneering the use of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in Australia and becoming the site of the country’s first PSMA PET scan in 2014.

These innovations have significantly improved the accuracy of diagnosing aggressive prostate cancer, while reducing unnecessary biopsies and enabling more personalised treatment pathways.

Support has also contributed to the development of an outdoor courtyard near the theatre complex, creating a restorative space for patients, families and staff.

Wesley General Manager, Jason Burton, said the annual Gambaro Cancer Care Lunch continues to fund innovations which help to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

"We are sincerely grateful to have the Gambaro community by our side and part of our Wesley Hospital community,” Jason said.

"The legacy of their support is measured not only in dollars raised, but in the thousands of lives touched through advanced treatments, dedicated support services and compassionate care.

“The Gambaro Cancer Care Lunch stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support people affected by cancer with exceptional care, support and hope,” he said.

The Wesley Hospital extends its sincere thanks to the Gambaro family for their unwavering support, leadership and generosity over the past 15 years, helping transform prostate cancer care for thousands of Queenslanders.