A teenager from Washington State, Arturo Sotelo, has triumphantly returned to school a year after undergoing an extensive surgery to remove an aggressive brain tumour. The 15-year-old was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma, a rare type of brain tumour, in June 2025, following a series of concerning symptoms that began just a few weeks earlier.
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Initially, Arturo experienced mild headaches and persistent nausea, which prompted his family to seek medical attention. Despite undergoing various tests, including blood draws to investigate potential tumours, the cause of his symptoms remained elusive. However, on June 2, as he and his family were en route to the hospital for further assessments, Arturo suffered a seizure. This alarming incident led doctors to conduct more thorough examinations, eventually revealing a tumour described as the size of a golf ball pressing against his brain.
Arturo was promptly airlifted to Tacoma, where a partial surgical procedure was performed to alleviate some of the immediate concerns. Initially classified as a slow-growing tumour, doctors decided to adopt a watchful waiting approach, planning to either conduct radiation treatments or a more invasive surgery once Arturo reached adulthood. However, subsequent scans revealed that the tumour was not conforming to expectations, having doubled in size by September, and again by October.
At this point, the family was referred to Seattle Children’s Hospital for further evaluation and treatment options. Dr. Jacob Ruzevick, a neurosurgeon involved in Arturo’s care, noted that the urgency of the situation had escalated due to the pressing pressures on Arturo’s optic nerves, which were causing severe headaches and nausea. The decision was subsequently made to proceed with a minimally invasive surgical approach that involved operating through Arturo’s nostrils.
On November 24, 2025, Arturo underwent a remarkable 14 to 16-hour surgery, expertly handled by a multidisciplinary team of specialists including Dr. Ruzevick and otolaryngologist Dr. Randy Bly. This innovative procedure allowed for the complete removal of the tumour without requiring an external incision on Arturo’s face. Dr. Bly expressed the complexity of the surgery, highlighting the extensive preparation and teamwork necessary to ensure Arturo’s safety throughout the operation.
Arturo’s father, Rodolfo Sotelo, found the entire ordeal overwhelming, reflecting on the emotional weight that came with realizing his son required another brain surgery. Their experience was compounded by the fact that Rodolfo had previously battled thyroid cancer, adding an extra layer of strain to the family dynamics. Throughout the challenging period, the Sotelo family received immense support from their community, who rallied with care packages, prayers, and encouragement.
Following the surgery, Arturo faced a challenging recuperation, made even more difficult as his mother had also undergone surgery around the same time. Nevertheless, his resilience shone through; he returned to school part-time by mid-January and gradually transitioned back to full days by March.
Fast forward to the present, Rodolfo reports that Arturo is thriving and fully engaged in his activities, including being back in the marching band. Recent scans indicate that there are no signs of tumour recurrence, and Arturo is now scheduled for follow-up scans every six months, which provides a sense of relief for the entire family.
Dr. Bly conveyed confidence in Arturo’s recovery, noting that he is doing remarkably well and is steadily progressing without any indications of the tumour returning. Although Arturo has had to adjust to life post-surgery, including hormone replacement therapy due to the removal of his pituitary gland, he remains positive and hopeful for the future.
The Sotelo family holds a deep gratitude for the medical teams at Seattle Children’s Hospital for their compassionate care and clear communication throughout the treatment process. As Arturo looks ahead, his desire is to inspire others facing similar challenges, sharing his story to instil hope and resilience in those who may be struggling.
Arturo’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and community support in the face of adversity. As he continues to flourish, the young musician is determined to make a difference in the lives of others through his experience.