Mother-Daughter Duo Finds Joy in Same-Day Tonsillectomies at Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center

Lancaster, Calif. – – In a heartwarming display of love and healthcare innovation, Lancaster resident Christina Azua and her 11-year-old daughter Sydney were among the first patients to undergo surgery at the newly opened Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center (AVSC). The mother-daughter duo chose to have their tonsillectomies performed on the same day in July, creating a unique bonding experience and showcasing the exceptional care available at the new facility.

Christina explained her decision to undergo surgery with 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 approach resonated with Sydney. “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 really nice.”

Christina described their surgery day as smooth and calming, thanks to the exceptional Kaiser Permanente medical staff. “Before the procedure, I felt calm due to the amazing staff making me feel so at ease and comforted,” Christina 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 echoed her mother’s sentiments, saying, “They were nice and caring. They told me about the procedure, so I wasn’t scared anymore.”

A Commitment to Community Health

The new Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center, which celebrated a community ribbon cutting in March and began surgeries in June, 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, ophthalmology, and more.

The opening of the surgery center reinforces Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the Antelope Valley, enhancing its ability to serve as a key healthcare provider in the region. 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.

Moreover, the acquisition of this surgery center, which was set to close last year, has kept a key healthcare resource open in the region and created 60 new Kaiser Permanente healthcare jobs.

Christina could not praise her medical team enough. “I cannot express enough the caring and support we received from the physicians and staff at the Kaiser Permanente surgery center,” she said. This positive experience even inspired young Sydney’s future aspirations. Christina 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 of the 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 now available at the Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Surgery Center.