Thinking about you a bit more than usual today - You once said: ...realize how important our own family, those defined not just by DNA, but by life experiences, by memories, truly are. thank you for being part of my life. You were that family, however brief. Miss you everyday !
Ben

Brook came up in conversation yesterday when talking about hiring a chief medical officer for a new company I am working on, I said"we will use consultants unless a Holbrook shows up then we must hire that person#!.  Then went to dinner last night with friends, ordered a Gibson, was asked what kind of Gin i chose Hendricks. A friend ordered shrimp cocktail for the table. Must have been prophetic on the eve of this birthday.  You are gone but never forgotten.

Thinking about you on this sad day.

I remember the bouquets of flowers you would send. Your gesture was more than thoughtful, it was grandiose! The person receiving them felt larger than life and seen for who they really were... that was your gift, to make everyone feel seen. Sending you love and light

The world has truly lost someone sensational! I still have you in my contacts, can’t find it in my heart to delete! Even in death your still doing good for the world with your fund raising. Happy Birthday to a one-of-a-kind human being. You are forever missed!

I get a seafood delivery each week, today I get a lb of jumbo shrimp, will have that and and toast to you tonight my friend.

You made us all feel heard, seen, and recognized. 

Maybe, we all thought we were “the special one” - THAT IS YOUR GIFT ❤️

Today is yours, H

To this day, whenever i have Shrimp, Gin, talk about the latest treatments for hemophilia and most importantly, wishing I had you as part of my new company, I think of you my friend. #gonebutneverforgotten

Holbrook - how many times in the past year have I thought to myself "He'd know exactly what to do, how to handle this, how to make it better"

I know I'm not alone in this. Miss you every day.

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow

Tonight, we are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Happy birthday bro!! MY

Bud. Walked in the gardens at the hospital today thinking of the conversation we had when you were in London. You are missed. Your example lives on and fuels us. 

Hey dude, it's been a while. Oh how much I want you to be here now, we would be having the best time in London. Good thing that you're not here to see 2020 though, wowza. I've been following my bliss by the way, like you said. I'm graduating in London this year!! Remember when I was 15 hahaha?? Been thinking about you a lot lately, your last Christmas, with us in Deurle. Not so optimal for you, but honestly I couldn't have asked for anything better than you being there, as a part of our family. Your non-DNA one as you put it.
And oh my mom and dad are heading back to Paris, finally!! You would love the apartment.
Really miss you. But you're there every step of the way. Wouldn't have accomplished anything without your help. Happy Thanksgiving, and almost Birthday and Christmas of course. Love you
B

PS: You should see how crazy the iphones and ipads have gotten man!!

Happy Bday. Following my bliss, everyday, inspired by you

Happy Birthday Buddy where ever you are! I planted a Fuji apple tree in my back yard and named Kohrt (that's what I called you in med school). This year it gave the most delicious apples I have ever had in my life! I hope a little bit of you lives on in my tree so I can continue to enjoy your friendship forever!

At the tandem transplant meeting thinking about you and feeling the weight of your passing... We work harder to do good, but are reminded that life, family, friends and health are equally important. 3 years ago to this day I was jolted to change my priorities, and your anniversary will always be a reminder of those. Man do I miss you.

Its been 2 years but seems like yesterday that our world changed w your passing. Your name still is mentioned in so many of my endeavors, I and working on new immune-oncology companies and always tell people that to progress drugs the right way you need someone like Holbrook but people like that are so heard to find. Sure wish your were here to help move the needle forward but your spirit is with so many of us in our day to day, that your never really left.

The Orchid that Holbrook gave me 3 years ago died over the summer.
However I could not remove it as it had brough so many beautiful memories. The anniversary date of Holbrook’s passing this year suddenly the Orchid started to show life and a beautiful flower has over Christmas time flourished - so happy and feeling blessed.

Happy Birthday Holbrook. I miss you everyday when I read about the latest developments in Cancer Immunotherapy.

On your birthday today, I remember your generous spirit, your ever-present empathy and kindness, and your contagious zeal to help others. May your soul rest in peace

I just returned from the ASH conference in Atlanta. That was the conference and the city where I first met you 5 years ago, standing in front of your poster. ‘Hey, I’m Holbrook’ you said. That was the start of an adventure – coming to Stanford and working with you for 2 years. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I am forever grateful for that. I think about you often, and always feel inspired. Happy birthday.

H! It’s the culmination of so many things this week. I promise not to send a cookie bouquet, as it didn’t go over very well the first time, except for it gave some good laughs between me and you.

We would be solidifying NYE plans this week & while Kaskade came to SF last year and is repeating it again. I just feel the need to do something new and crazy...which is why I’m missing you!!

Tank is still annoying, Jada is moving out, I’m dating this guy who we could nerd out on genetic expression with (kinda like A & better). There’s a pretty good chance I’ll end up at Fort Mason this year, which is what started this whole thing.  Anyway. Writing here, makes you feel closer. Don’t ever doubt that for one day, you’re not forever missed!!

On ya, I was asked to be an Ambassador for the United Nations. That’s for another time. #missyoumyfriend

Holbrook, thanks for sharing your passion for life, your inquisitiveness for science, your tireless energy, your willingness to forthrightly connect with others regarding matters professional and deeply personal, your persistent juggling of lab, translational, clinical and collaborative research while providing clinical care and kindness and maintaining an enthusiasm for the excitement of every day. We miss you and are grateful for how much you have taught us.

Holbrook, I'll be applying to residency this year. I never had the chance to fully thank you for your guidance; you were an amazing mentor, one of an entirely different caliber. Miss you.

Dear Holbrook, I still think of you regularly and remember your positive influence on me and many other people. your life and work are a permanent source of inspiration. Rest in peace.

Thanks for your friendship. You will always live in my memories and never be forgotten.

I'll make sure to hoist a glass of gin in honor of your birthday this evening my friend; I miss you always.
Mike

Last year we celebrated your birthday in London with your dear mother and amongst friends. Miss you dearly.
X

Dear friend- You are forever missed and your void will always be there. The reminders of your presence in our lives are both painful and heart-warming. Whether it be on the lonely walk from the nearest hotel at ASH, my Amazon account that recently asked me if I wanted to ship you another Christmas tree to the Ham Yard, or the bubbles I carry in my coat pocket, we remember you. You made such an impact on each of us and on the world broadly. You taught us, inspired us, encouraged us, and made us reflect. Through laughing together, playing together, traveling together, and of course working together, we grew. You are missed, but you have made each of us better and stronger. We dearly wish you were here on this day so we could celebrate your life with you! But your spirit lives on with each of us, and today we celebrate your memory and the impact you've had on us. We hope we make you proud as we attempt to fill your void. We know you're shining down on each of us, giving us more strength, but we still dearly wish you were here with us. Thank you for everything. Xoxo

Even for the little time I knew you, you were an amazing considerate doctor. I have dealt with many doctors in my life but you were one of the finest always attentive,caring and responsive. Someone who truly cared.
You will always be in our prayers and thoughts.
Tilu

Holbrook - our paper that you worked with us on is soon to be accepted. I feel immensely pleased and honoured to publish this one with you. I only wish you were here to share in that. More importantly, I am indebted to you for making the world of medical research a so much better place. I cant recall a young person in this profession who energized me more. May you rest in peace.

Hey man I am going back to CCSR tomorrow to start a new collaboration. I will swing by the lab and say hi to everyone. For those of us mediocre researchers that are growing old, the cycle of starting a project, working hard, and wrapping it up with a poster is never-ending. The last poster I made was turned into a double-edged light saber by the boys after the conference. That's about how useful the project was.

But with each new project, there is renewed hope that this one can save someone. Now that you rest and we must carry on, send us some of your inspiration, energy and tenacity. We will always remember and emulate you.

I continue to think of you every single day, Holbrook. Greatful that you were part of our lives and family these past four years. Birthdays. Holidays, Concerts, the ballet, amazing meals, quiet talks, trying to beat you to the dinner bill! I will cherish the memories.

We were all very saddened to hear of Holbrook's passing. Holbrook provided great advice and encouragement to our cancer drug discovery company throughout our time working together. We will miss his energy, spirit and scientific enthusiasm.

To Dr. Kourtney and Ms. Kidd,

There are not enough words to express the sympathy felt of losing a loved one, especially the loss of a child, no matter the age. As a father of four, I can only imagine your pain. Hearing how Dr. Kohrt lived his life in a self sacrificing way and not let his own illness stop his desire to help others is truly inspiring and heart warming. The Bible offers beautiful and encouraging words of comfort that made me think of him and your hope of seeing him again in the future. Isiah 33-24- "No resident will say : "I am sick." immediately came to mind because of his endurance. And Revelation 21:4- " He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." came to mind to remind you that your loss is temporary and your hope of seeing him again is real. I hope these words are a comfort to you and even though I have never met your son, his life story has truly touched me, as I'm sure countless others. He has a beautiful legacy and his life is a testament to how wonderful you raised him. Stay strong and keep looking forward to the day when you will again see your boy resting by that happy tree.

Words can never adequately convey our feelings at this time of sadness to comfort you in the loss of Brook , We are thinking of you and your family. Always leave room in your heart for angels to dance.

Stephanie and all the Zuvic's

Holbrook Kohrt was a brilliant, kind, witty, and passionate man with a drive and a fire for scientific advancement unlike any I've ever seen. I remember fondly late nights in the Levy Lab with your funky indie electro music blasting while you handle 100x the amount of things I had going on under my hood...Your magnanimous spirit despite the intensity at which you worked and lived, and despite the hardship you endured in life will stand firmly in my mind as a guidepost for how to be cool, loving, and an absolute joy to be around regardless of how high the stakes (from cancer clinical trials to patient care), and regardless of how little sleep you might be running on. You're a true inspiration. Condolences to family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in Peace my man.

Initially I barely knew Holbrook nor did I have cause to. Traditionally the concierge of a Hotel apartment can be overlooked. We met in the summer of 2015 while I was arranging his London accommodation, he was a sensible chap with an underlying humour which was easily noticeable but more obviously his manors caught my eye; something I value highly which sadly on occasion can be lacking in some.

What started as sharing pleasantries turned into sharing chocolates and eventually a cheeky gin. We met each morning as he passed my desk and each evening as he returned home. We talked, we laughed, we were normal. I have always been prepared to act comfortable in anyone’s company but with Holbrook there was no need, his attitude towards life and people easily afforded me a comfort not readily available with other guests I looked after.

I have no doubt that he was a brilliant man but I knew him only as a kind man who showed a sincere interest in everyone he met and for their happiness and welfare.

I knew he was loved, I saw that each time I met a member of his family or his friends and I know he will be missed.

Blessed with your friendship, inspired by your advise, I am left in sadness and awe. As a most original thinker and with enormous energy, you dedicated every talent you had to helping others. I mourn your passing but will celebrate your life. Forever.

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. 
With sincere sympathy,
Shylah, Sonya & Henry (friends of Kendra's)

David, my husband, met Dr. Khort- and his dog - as a patient in the lymphoma clinic at Stanford. While Dr.Khort was clearly a brilliant scientist, he was also a compassionate and insightful clinician, and he had a great sense of humor. Dr. Khort could quickly and clearly explain the most complex medical issues and treatments with a diagram and a few words. David and Dr Khort became friends and found time to meet outside the clinic. After Dr. Khort had surgery for his leg, David and Dr.Khort would engage in humorous exchanges about meeting their challenges when they met at clinic. They continued these exchanges by e-mail while Dr. Khort was in Europe. David appreciated Dr. Khort's typical straight to the point comments on David's treatments, and David did his best to bring some humor to Dr. Khort's circumstances. David passed away on November 22, 2015. Dr. Khort kindly related to me how David had made him smile. Dr. Khort, as well as David, had previously always made it through extreme symptoms. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Khort's passing, and more so when I learned that he had finally been able to travel from Europe. Dr. Khort's tenacity in confronting his own medical issues, his continued interest in David's treatment, and his sense of humor were an inspiration to David and great comfort to me. Jean Bordon

"Hey man", Hey Holbrook,

I love the moments when I meet someone I admire. In few cases they exceed my expectations. You were far above this treshold, now sitting on the stump of the giving tree next to the little boy.

You always reminded me about what's important in this world. More important to give then receive. More important to love life than anything else. At the end we are a sum of our experiences and moments shared with others.

Sad, sad so sad to let you go. Sometimes these make so little sense today. I hope we find some sense some peace some healing with time.

"Always keep the spirit high", I love you, your friend forever.-ydm

I first met Holbrook when he took a quizical look at my ASCO poster in 2009. I wondered who this guy was, so smart and, surprisingly, a good dresser (it was ASCO after all). 4 months later I really met Holbrook as we sat next to each other for 7 days straight during the ASH CRTI workshop. It was a week of intense exposure - but it only took me a few hours to figure out that Holbrook was in a league of his own. I was floored by everything he had accomplished in such a short amount of time - and we were only fellows!

Over the next few years I grew to admire and be in awe of his continued multi-dimensional growth. He was my "conference friend" - you know, the ones you always catch up with at conferences... but he was more than just that. I saw in him an intensity and motivation that I could only aspire to emulate. I knew he had reached the next echelon when senior faculty at my cancer center started quoting his work as seminal findings. I would always chuckle at the back of the room and say "hey I know that guy!! He's my friend!!" 

As our careers and paths progressed over these short 7 years I saw Holbrook develop multiple interests and collaborations. I envied his jet-setting status. But no matter how much of a rock star he was, he was still supportive of my (in comparison) small strides. 

Holbrook's passing has haunted me and I still kind of don't believe it. He has reminded me not to take health, life or the privilege of work for granted. Reading his life story in full makes this more apparent to me than ever before. 

Holbrook- you will be missed. 
XOXO

We extend our condolences to Holbrook's friends and family, and all those who had the honour of working alongside him. We are proud to have known and worked with him, and so played a small part in his legacy. Annals of Oncology - Editorial team

I mainly knew Holbrook as an advisor on developments in immune-oncology. I quickly developed great respect for him both as a person and someone making very real and important benefits to field of medicine and to mankind as a whole. 

Learning of his passing hit me sadness that one would feel with the falling of a military officer in battle. Holbrook was a rare, driven leader in the pursuit of making cancer a chronic condition for millions globally. During Holbrook’s short time with us he accomplished more than many scientists do in a lifetime. The number of people he has inspired cannot be counted and he will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Dear Holbrook, I was privileged to have had you in my life the last years. You made me feel confident and at ease during treatment. I could focus on getting better because I could rely on you, 24/7, although you were fighting your own battle. You were an exceptional , yet modest doctor and a warm friend at the same time. A unique combination ! Lots of love, Tine

Holbrook you will always be my loved and cherished co-founder of OvaCure.org, and we will keep working for your shatp mission to Cure Ovarian Cancer.

You were an outstanding man. The kindest, smartest, hardworking mastermind. Always thinking of helping others, how to cure cancer. Your creative and strategic intelligence was unique and behind so much innovation and has saved so many. Always eager to help. And always ready to find solutions for any problem.

I will miss your brightness, sharp brain, smile, charm and good looks. I will cherish our memories and work for our vision.

My love.

Yours,
Juliane

Artists and scientists know that creativity thrives under limits. Within his own constrictions, Brook's intelligence and drive and heart fueled his imagination and he created. He created a life, and friendships, and solutions to problems, and discovered new, even more complex problems to challenge himself. We always want more of what makes us happy, of what challenges us and advances us, and so the loss that we feel at Brook's passing is every child's cry of "More!" We wanted more.