Highland High School sophomore Arturo Sotelo has returned to performing on alto saxophone with the school band after undergoing three surgeries for a rare brain tumor, yakimaherald.com reported.
Sotelo began experiencing nausea and headaches in May 2025 as a freshman. After a seizure in a hospital parking lot, doctors discovered an egg-sized tumor and cyst pressing on his brain. He was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a rare noncancerous tumor near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Cowiche, Washington, student was airlifted to MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma for his first surgery. When the tumor doubled in size during marching band season and doubled again the following month, doctors referred the family to Seattle Children’s Hospital. The family agreed to try an endoscopic endonasal surgery, which removes the tumor through the nostrils without facial incisions.
A September checkup showed Sotelo’s recovery progressing as expected. Dr. Jacob Ruzevick, his neurosurgeon at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said the imaging looks great and that Sotelo has returned to normal life.
Sotelo picked up the alto saxophone five years ago and said music has been a significant part of his life since childhood. Playing in Highland’s band has let him explore jazz and make friends. He is looking forward to October competitions, where he has a solo and a quintet performance.
For more information, visit yakimaherald.com.