Lauren Wasser isn’t just a model. She’s a fighter, an advocate, and a voice for change. Her journey from a glamorous childhood in the fashion world to surviving a life-altering health crisis is nothing short of extraordinary.
Imagine losing both legs at just 24 years old—all because of a tampon. That’s exactly what happened to Lauren in 2012 when she developed Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but devastating condition. Instead of letting it break her, she used her pain to spark a movement, raising awareness about TSS and the dangers hidden in everyday menstrual products.
A Fashion Legacy and a Shocking Turn
Born into a family of models in sunny California, Lauren seemed destined for the runway. She graced the pages of Vogue at just four months old alongside her mother, effortlessly stepping into a world of beauty and style.
But Lauren wasn’t just about striking poses—she was a powerhouse on the basketball court too. She earned an athletic scholarship, excelling in sports before ultimately deciding to chase her passion for modeling. Life seemed perfect, but fate had other plans.
The Day Everything Changed
At 24, Lauren’s life flipped upside down. She started feeling flu-like symptoms, which quickly escalated into something far more dangerous. Toxic Shock Syndrome struck with a vengeance.
Her kidneys failed. She suffered two heart attacks. Doctors had no choice but to place her in a coma to save her life. When she woke up ten days later, her body bore the scars of an unimaginable battle. Gangrene had set in, and Lauren faced the agonizing decision to amputate her right leg—and later, her left.
“It was because of a tampon,” she shared in The Diary of a CEO podcast. A single product had changed her life forever.
From Survivor to Advocate
Instead of letting her ordeal define her, Lauren turned it into her mission. She speaks out about the harmful ingredients often found in tampons—synthetic fibers, chlorine bleach, and more—and the lack of proper regulation in the industry.
Lauren partnered with Madeline Mosby, another woman affected by TSS, to fight for safer menstrual products. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with, pushing for change and protecting women’s health.
The Girl with the Golden Legs
Today, Lauren is back in the spotlight, not as a victim, but as a symbol of strength. Known as “the girl with the golden legs,” she models with prosthetics coated in shimmering gold, embracing her new reality with grace and power.
Her journey reminds us that beauty isn’t just about appearances—it’s about resilience, courage, and the ability to rise above life’s challenges.
Would you have the strength to face life head-on like Lauren did? Share her inspiring story with friends and help spread awareness about TSS—because everyone deserves to know the risks and fight for safer solutions.
