In this powerful episode of Too Young To Be Old, host Diane Gilman—fashion icon and cancer survivor—welcomes Andrea Berkowitz, a resilient and inspiring two-time breast cancer survivor. Together, they share their personal journeys of battling breast cancer, overcoming life’s darkest moments, and emerging stronger, more purpose-driven women. Their stories will leave listeners feeling uplifted and motivated to live fully, regardless of life’s challenges.

About the Guest: Andrea Berkowitz

Andrea Berkowitz, an entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, brings a deeply personal story of strength and perseverance to this episode. Diagnosed with breast cancer not once, but twice, Andrea’s journey has been one of courage, self-reflection, and transformation. She now dedicates her life to advocating for women’s health, sharing her Wisdom on overcoming adversity, and embracing purpose after surviving breast cancer.

The Battle Against Breast Cancer

Diane and Andrea open the conversation by discussing their respective experiences with breast cancer. Diane reflects on her own cancer journey, recalling how she refused to let fear consume her, and instead used the experience to re-evaluate her life. Andrea shares her emotional story, beginning with her initial diagnosis 11 years ago, just before her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, and how she navigated the fear and uncertainty that came with it. Both women discuss the importance of self-exams, advocating for your own health, and staying positive through treatment.

The Second Diagnosis: A Different Battle

In 2021, Andrea was diagnosed with a second, more aggressive form of breast cancer, unrelated to her initial diagnosis. She explains how her approach to this battle was markedly different from her first experience. After spending time researching, worrying, and feeling overwhelmed during her first diagnosis, Andrea chose a path of positivity and strength the second time around, empowering herself through mindset shifts and focusing on what she could control.

Life Changes and Personal Growth

Diane and Andrea reflect on how their experiences with cancer reshaped their lives. Both women made significant changes to their lifestyles—choosing to eliminate toxic influences and focus on self-care, meaningful Relationships, and finding joy in everyday moments. Andrea discusses her journey with a cancer dietitian and how she shifted her perspective on Diet, health, and well-being. She emphasizes the importance of living with purpose and surrounding oneself with positivity and supportive people.

Purpose and Empowerment Through Adversity

A central theme of this episode is finding purpose and empowerment through adversity. Andrea shares how her experiences with breast cancer gave her a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for life. She now coaches and supports other women going through similar journeys, using her story to inspire hope and resilience. Diane, too, found a new direction after her own cancer journey, turning to podcasting and advocating for women over 50.

Key Takeaways

1. Self-Advocacy Is Essential: Andrea and Diane both Stress the importance of advocating for your own health, particularly with regular self-exams and trusting your instincts when something feels off.
2. Positivity Makes a Difference: While fear is natural, both women emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and not allowing cancer to define or consume your life.
3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Letting go of toxic relationships and focusing on positive, supportive people was a key part of both Diane and Andrea’s healing process.
4. Purpose After Cancer: Andrea and Diane found new purposes in their lives post-cancer, using their experiences to inspire and empower other women to live fully, no matter their age or challenges.

Connect with Andrea Berkowitz

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_andreaberkowitz/

Website – https://www.andreaberkowitz.com/

Connect with Diane

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedianegilman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDianeGilman/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedianegilman/?hl=en

Stay up-to-date on upcoming announcements by signing up for our mailing list at: www.TheDianeGilman.com

You can get a copy of my book on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/Too-Young-Be-Old-Vibrant/dp/1637554532

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A fashion rule-breaker with millions of loyal fans, the charismatic pearl-haired, “Queen of Jeans,” Diane Gilman is 78 years young and embracing aging instead of fighting it. An inspiration for women embracing their third act, Diane is The top Tele-retailing brand globally who is just getting started, and not unlike many women’s stories, recognition for Diane came later in life with the launch of her DG2 Jeans line on HSN which has become the top tele-retailing brand globally, over $100 million dollars a year in retail sales domestically, could be seen on QVC UK, Italy, France, Australia & Canada. Her latest book, “Too Young to be Old,” is another compelling take on conquering life’s challenges and harnessing one’s own power to live a “third act” filled with dream-catching and fulfillment.

After 30 years of experience in front of the camera connecting with the baby boomer audience on television, Diane has set out to become a proaging advocate and a "Silver-haired Influencer". Through social media, YouTube and the launch of her podcast, Too Young To Be Old, Diane's goal is to educate and inspire the 50+ community in a range of lifestyle topics such as nutrition, health & wellness, fashion, beauty & skincare, and any other topics covering aging solutions.