Renata’s Story,

OPINION | Nuclear radiation at toxic Simi site takes heavy toll, Ojai Valley News

Renata Stone is pictured in 2022 with her newborn second child the day after her emergency C-section at seven months pregnant. 

Feb 22, 2024

I am a mother of two, and the former CEO of Ventura County’s DLV Vision. I am reaching out to you today as both a concerned citizen and a mother who has been directly impacted by the nuclear disaster at the Santa Susana Field Lab.

I read your Feb. 3 article, “Boeing to begin ‘emergency’ removal of radioactive soil in Simi hills,” about the Santa Susana Field Lab cleanup and wanted to share my story with you.

As a working mother, I understand the struggles and joys that come with balancing a career and raising a family. However, my journey has been marked by an unimaginable horror that has forever changed my life and that of my family.

In September 2022, when I was six months pregnant with my second child, I experienced severe headaches that progressively worsened. Despite my concerns, I initially dismissed them as part of the pregnancy experience. However, when the pain became unbearable, I sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. I underwent emergency neurosurgery and was later diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma of the brain.

My journey through treatment was grueling, and I was faced with difficult decisions about my health and the well-being of my unborn child. I had to undergo chemotherapy three days after delivering my child at seven months pregnant, which meant that my baby had to be delivered prematurely and spend the first two months of his life in the NICU without his mother.

Throughout this ordeal, I was fortunate to have a supportive medical team, including my OB/GYN, Dr. Shamsah Amersi, and my neurosurgeon, Dr. James Rubenstein. I also experienced medical errors and billing mistakes that could have had devastating consequences.

But what truly angers and saddens me is the knowledge that my illness was caused by exposure to nuclear radiation from the Santa Susana Field Lab that was burned during the Woolsey Fire. As an avid athlete and marathon runner, I never imagined that my passion for fitness would lead to such dire consequences. The fact that this disaster has affected countless others, including children, pregnant women and families, is an outrage that cannot be ignored.

I am writing to you today to seek your help in bringing attention to this issue and holding those responsible for the disaster accountable. The Santa Susana Field Lab could continue to harm helpless citizens who have no idea about this disaster in their own back yard (as I did not — I lived close by in the area for nearly 10 years and had no idea it was there) and it is imperative that we take action to prevent further suffering and loss.