Courtney Ford Instagram – Dr. Anne Kent 1958 – 2022 Dr. Kent changed my life. She was the first doctor who took the time to listen with compassion and curiosity, who performed the laparoscopy that ended years of confusion as to the source of my chronic pain. The first doctor that held my hand and said the words endometriosis, after every other doctor had either laughed or rolled their eyes. She was more than a respected OB/GYN. For her patients, she was an advocate. A source of strength, love and kindness. No matter how busy her day was, she always made time to listen so that her patients felt seen and heard. She always explained what she was going to do before she did it, and never dismissed any expression of pain. Dr. Kent was the first doctor that didn’t make me feel like I was “bothering” her. She performed my 1st surgery, and was at my bedside when I woke up, holding pictures taken by the internal camera. “Look, see. Here it is, here, here and here. Endometriosis and adhesions. You are not crazy. You were never crazy. Your pain was real.” I loved her. All her patients loved her. She saved our sanity and delivered our babies that she made possible. I was told by other doctors that I had a 2% chance of getting pregnant. Two percent. But after the first surgery with Dr. Kent, I was able to get pregnant naturally. My 1st and only pregnancy. It all felt so fragile and impossible and terrifying, but she was there every step of the way. She delivered my baby. My son is here because of her. My niece is here because of her. Thousands of babies are here because she protected, cared for, and listened to their mommies. She was taken from this world far too soon. If you are able, please consider donating to Hoag Hospital Foundation or to Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS.