Today, and for days to come, the lung and breast cancer community mourns the devastating loss of Angus Pratt.
As a tireless advocate, Angus was a champion for optimal cancer care for all. Better treatment, better access, better quality of life. If it could be bettered, Angus would get behind it and push for change. He led with light and courage that rivaled that of any lion on the savanna.
Angus was more than just his advocacy though. He was a support for others travelling the cancer continuum. He believed that the people held the power and challenged the status quo. A true mover and shaker of the norm. He was present for anyone who needed a helping hand with wisdom, kindness, and humour. He knew when to celebrate the wins but was never complacent and believed there was always a higher, bigger goal to reach.
Some people strictly knew Angus as ‘Red Hat’. He wore his red toque with pride, and it soon became one of his defining features. We hope that from this day going forward that all red hats evoke a sense of reassurance that Angus is near, encouraging us on to continue the work that he believed in so much.
His impact has sent waves of change throughout the cancer community, and it will continue to do so for years to come, as we continue our work in his memory. He will not be forgotten.
We are overwhelmed and heartbroken today, but we will use this hurt to steel us in our passion to bring about change for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. We will be courageous. We will be generous. We will be relentless. We will be like Angus.
To all of his family, friends, fellow advocates, and all who loved him: we are sending you warmth and strength in this difficult time.
Dear Angus, may you rest peacefully. Your work is done. Probably earlier than you wanted it to, but we carry it for you now. I hope we do you proud Red Hat.
Until we meet again.
If you would like to read Angus’s own words of his journey here is a link to his beautiful blog: https://journey.anguspratt.ca/
