August 27, 2024
From sore throats to ice cream floats
A mother and daughter share a special bond after undergoing tonsillectomies on the same day.
Mother-daughter duo from Lancaster, California, Christina and Sydney Azua, underwent surgery together at Kaiser Permanente’s new surgery center in Antelope Valley.
In a heartwarming display of love and health care innovation, Lancaster, California, resident Christina Azua and her 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, were among the early patients to undergo surgery at the Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center. The mother-daughter duo chose to have their tonsillectomies performed on the same day in July, creating a unique bonding experience and showcasing the state-of-the-art care available at the new facility.
A decision born from love
Christina Azua explained her decision to undergo surgery alongside her daughter: "I didn't want my daughter to experience something that I had not gone through myself. As I also needed my tonsils removed, I decided it would be best to go through the same pain so I know how she was feeling."
This thoughtful gesture resonated with her daughter, Sydney Azua. "I felt good," she shared. "It made me feel better that my mom was there with me. I felt less nervous, and the nurses were nice."
A smooth experience from start to finish
Christina Azua described their surgery day as smooth and calming thanks to the exceptional staff.
"Before the procedure, I felt calm due to the amazing staff, who made me feel so at ease and comforted," she recounted. "My daughter was nervous, but Priscilla, her pre-op nurse, did a great job calming her nerves. She talked her through everything, even what to expect, and eased her mind."
Sydney Azua echoed her mother's sentiments: "They were nice and caring. They told me about the procedure, so I wasn't scared anymore." After surgery, mother and daughter treated themselves to ice cream, a sweet reward for their bravery.
A commitment to community health
The new Antelope Valley Surgery Center, which celebrated a community ribbon cutting in March 2024 and began surgeries in June 2024, represents a significant expansion of Kaiser Permanente's services in the region. As the organization's first stand-alone surgery center in Southern California, it introduces an expansive suite of outpatient surgical services, including general surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology.
The opening of the surgery center reinforces Kaiser Permanente's commitment to the people of the Antelope Valley and enhances its ability to serve as a regional health care provider. With over 159,000 members in the area as of January 2024, this new facility increases the availability of high-quality outpatient surgeries, reducing wait times and making care more accessible.
Additionally, acquiring this surgery center, which was on the verge of closing last year, has preserved a vital health care resource in the region and generated 60 new jobs at Kaiser Permanente.
Christina Azua couldn't praise the surgery center’s team enough. "I cannot express enough the care and support we received from the physicians and staff at the Antelope Valley Surgery Center," she said.
This positive experience even inspired young Sydney Azua 's career aspirations. Christina Azua proudly shared, "When we were leaving the facility, my daughter stated, 'I want to work here when I get bigger.' I enjoyed that statement the most. It speaks volumes to the outstanding care we received."
The story of Christina and Sydney Azua is more than just a touching tale of mother-daughter bonding. It's a testament to the exceptional care and state-of-the-art facilities at the Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center.
Explore convenient ways you can get quality care you need, when you need it.
