An Idaho man says transferring his care to University of Utah Health saved his life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor, according to a report published October 12, 2026. Shelbie Harris sought specialized care after a seizure on November 11, 2024, led to the discovery of an infiltrating insular glioma at a local hospital in Pocatello, Idaho.
Following his diagnosis, Harris met with neurosurgeon Sarah Menacho, MD, who scheduled a craniotomy for November 18, 2024. Menacho, the director of neurocritical care and vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, stated the surgery was complex due to the tumor's location but noted Harris recovered well from the procedure. During the surgery at the Clinical Neurosciences Center, Menacho removed 70% of the tumor. A subsequent biopsy revealed the tumor was a grade 3 astrocytoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
The recovery process included managing a recurrent staph infection that required three additional surgeries. Plastic surgeon Chelsea Harris, MD, MS, worked to revise and close his incision starting on New Year's Day 2025. Due to the infection and multiple surgeries, Menacho had to remove a portion of Harris' skull, requiring him to wear a protective helmet for 10 months, from January 1 until October 13, 2025. During this time, Harris attended various events, including a Utah Mammoth vs. Colorado Avalanche hockey game in Salt Lake City.
To restore his head shape, Harris underwent reconstructive surgery involving a cranial implant. Plastic surgeon Gregory Hobson, DO, assisted in closing the incision, noting that the patient did not require a free flap surgery because the skin was sufficient to close the incision after the implant was placed. Harris' tumor is currently stable and has stopped growing. He will finish his 12th round of chemotherapy this month and will continue to return to Utah every two months for brain scans and meetings with neuro-oncologist Joe, MD, to discuss treatment steps.
Harris, a practicing journalist, is currently back at work and has returned to snowboarding after a 749-day hiatus. He credited his recovery to the multidisciplinary approach used by his care team, which included specialists like Dr. Mendez to help manage his prognosis and treatment plan.
