The Right Technology in the Right Hands Saves Lives

Recently, the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation purchased a ZEISS KINEVO 900 S surgical microscope and a CUSA® Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator for the hospital’s surgical team with proceeds from the Frontier Toyota Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Golf Classic. Advanced technology is remarkable—but placed in the hands of skilled physicians and caregivers, it becomes life-changing and lifesaving.
 
Bella Montoya’s parents recently attended a Foundation Board meeting to personally thank the board, hospital staff and generous community members who helped save their daughter’s life. Earlier this year, 23-year-old Bella arrived at Henry Mayo’s Emergency Department with a severe headache and difficulty walking. At the time, she was completing her rookie year with the Los Angeles Police Department, and her family initially believed her symptoms might be caused by dehydration or physical exhaustion. But Bella was an avid runner and former college athlete, and the severity of her symptoms frightened her parents enough to seek immediate medical attention.

Henry Mayo’s Emergency Department team took Bella’s symptoms seriously from the moment she arrived. After several imaging studies, physicians discovered a large tumor in her brain. Neurosurgeon Dr. Travis Ladner was immediately called for a consultation.

Bella was diagnosed with a choroid plexus papilloma—a rare, typically benign and slow-growing brain tumor that develops within the brain’s fluid-filled ventricles. The tumor can increase pressure on the brain by overproducing cerebrospinal fluid or blocking its normal flow. Although most commonly diagnosed in infants and young children, it can also occur in adults.
 
In an instant, Bella’s family found themselves facing every parent’s worst nightmare. They questioned whether they were at the right hospital and whether they had the right surgeon. After contacting friends in healthcare and researching Dr. Ladner’s experience, they felt confident entrusting Bella’s care to him and the team at Henry Mayo.
 
Bella underwent a successful surgery to remove the tumor. She then spent a week in the Wayne and Connie Spears Intensive Care Unit, where Henry Mayo’s nurses, physicians and rehabilitation therapists helped her begin the healing process. Just three and a half months later, Bella returned to work as a Los Angeles police officer, fulfilling her dream of serving and protecting the community. Bella also made the LAPD women's running team this week. 
 
Having lived in Santa Clarita for decades, Bella’s parents are profoundly grateful that the exceptional care their daughter needed was available close to home. They credit the quick actions of the Emergency Department team, Dr. Ladner’s surgical expertise and the compassionate care Bella received throughout her recovery with saving their daughter’s life.
 
Bella’s remarkable story demonstrates why community support matters. Gifts to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation ensure that our talented physicians, nurses and caregivers have access to the latest technology and equipment—so they can continue changing and saving lives right here in our community.