From Chordoma Diagnosis to Brain Tumor Advocate: Beth Finn's Story of Surgery, Support & Second Opinions

What happens when the medical diagnosis changes everything — not for your child, but for you? In this episode of Born For This Stories, Johanna and Peter sit down with Beth Finn, a technology executive, brain tumor survivor, advocate, and board member of the National Brain Tumor Society. At just 26 years old, Beth was building her career and living her life when an MRI revealed a rare chordoma pressing against her brainstem. Beth shares what it was like to navigate a rare brain tumor diagnosis as a young adult, lean on her parents and partner for support, seek multiple surgical opinions, and ultimately choose the neurosurgical team she trusted with her life. Her story opens up a powerful conversation about self-advocacy, second opinions, medical decision-making, rare disease support, and the importance of finding doctors who bring both skill and compassion. This episode also explores what it means to survive something life-altering and later turn that experience into purpose. Beth reflects on denial, grief, humor, fear, family support, and how finding the brain tumor community helped her step into advocacy through Team Finspiration and the National Brain Tumor Society. If you or someone you love is navigating a brain tumor diagnosis, rare disease, major surgery, or the uncertainty of choosing the right medical team, this episode is a reminder that you are allowed to ask questions, seek more opinions, and fight for care that feels right. In this episode – Beth's rare chordoma diagnosis at 26 years old – How an MRI revealed a tumor pressing against her brainstem – The importance of second opinions for rare diagnoses and complex surgeries – Choosing a neurosurgeon based on expertise, trust, and bedside manner – How Beth's parents and partner supported her through diagnosis and surgery – Using humor, family, and community to face fear and uncertainty – What recovery looked like after brain surgery – Why patients and families need to feel empowered to advocate for themselves – Beth's journey from denial to brain tumor advocacy – Team Finspiration, the National Brain Tumor Society, and resources for newly diagnosed patients Share This Episode If this episode met you where you are, don't keep it to yourself. Someone in your life is sitting in a waiting room right now, googling words she never wanted to learn. Send her this one. Share it to your story, text it to a friend, leave a review — every share puts this in front of one more mama who needs to hear she's not alone. Know Someone With a Story to Tell? We're always looking for parents willing to share their journey — the messy middle, not just the highlight reel. If you or someone you know has walked a path other medical mamas need to hear about, we'd love to have you on the show. Reach out at [email protected] and let's talk. Join HELD HELD is here — empowered guidance for medical mamas who are done blaming themselves and want to feel less alone. Inside, we don't gatekeep information. We talk about what's real and raw, no performing required. Become a founding member now at https://held-mamas-connected.lovable.app/ You were Born for This.