I never imagined when I was diagnosed with heart disease that my life would end up where it is now. I’ve been extremely blessed. I’ve used my diagnosis to spread the word to others about the dangers of heart disease by starting the Bleeding Heart Project. I was also able to start Swa-Rai.com in between surgeries, illness, job loss, etc. I’ve even added speaker and heart health advocate to my already full resume. For me heart disease wasn’t the end of my life, it was just the beginning and the sign of greater things to come!

When I tell you dreams come true, please believe me they do! One of my dreams after being diagnosed was to cover The Heart Truth‘s New York Fashion Week Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. Well my dream came true and more! Not only was I able to cover the show but I got to go backstage (I will tell you more about backstage later). The show was nothing short of AMAZING for me since heart disease hits so close to home. It was fun to see all the stars and designers come together to support such an amazing, yet important cause.

Check out pictures from the show below:

Linda Evans in Tadashi Shoji

Cindi Leive in Jason Wu

Chaka Khan in Chris March

Minka Kelly in Diane Von Furstenberg

Jeannette Torres-Alvarez

Gloria Estefan in Narciso Rodgriguez

Rose McGowan in Donna Karan

Jenna Elfman in Alberta Ferretti

La La Anthony in Rachel Roy

Patti Stanger in Marc Bower

Debbie Phelps in Adrianna Papell

Elisabeth Rohm in Nicole Miller

Christie Brinkley in Pamella Roland

Aisha Tyler in Badgley Mischka

Rebecca Romijn in Marchesa

Jennifer Nettles in David Meister

Here are my favorite looks from the entire show:

I can’t stress this enough people, please, please take care of your heart!

“My participation in the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show is an opportunity provided by Ogilvy Public Relations on behalf of The Heart Truth. I was not compensated for my time, but was provided a seat and Red Carpet access at the Red Dress Collection.”