Lauren Wasser, a model from California, suffered a life-altering tragedy after using a product most women rely on every month. In 2012, she was hospitalized with what she thought was the flu — but doctors soon discovered it was something far more dangerous: *menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS)* caused by a bacterial infection linked to tampon use.
The infection spread rapidly through her body, leaving her in a coma for over a week. When she woke up, doctors had to amputate her right leg to save her life. She was only 24.
Lauren later explained that she had done everything correctly — she used the same brand of tampons and followed all the instructions on the box. But that day, toxins entered her bloodstream and nearly killed her. “I had a 42-degree fever, kidney and organ failure, and two heart attacks. I had just a one-percent chance of survival,” she told *Harper’s Bazaar*.
Her case led her to file a lawsuit against Kotex Natural Balance, the brand she had been using. “The vagina is the most absorbent part of the body and connects directly to vital organs,” she wrote in *InStyle*. “It’s crucial that women know the real risks.”
Sadly, seven years after her initial diagnosis, Lauren lost her second leg due to complications from the same condition. “My life changed overnight,” she shared. “I couldn’t even stand up, let alone model. I lost myself. I even thought about ending my life.”
What stopped her was her younger brother — the thought of him finding her if she took her life gave her the strength to keep going. That moment became a turning point. Instead of seeing her experience as an ending, she chose to turn it into a mission.
Lauren discovered that menstrual toxic shock syndrome had been harming and killing women for decades, and she vowed to speak out. “I should still have my legs,” she said. “No woman should risk her life by using a tampon.”
Over time, she learned to embrace her new reality. Inspired by rapper A$AP Rocky’s gold grills, she transformed her prosthetic legs into gleaming gold works of art. “Why not wear gold all the time?” she laughed. Now, Lauren lives life to the fullest — she runs, hikes, plays basketball, does Pilates, and even starred in a global lingerie campaign. “There’s nothing I can’t do,” she says. “And no pedicures needed.”
Her message to women everywhere is one of strength and self-acceptance: “Own who you are and step out with confidence — even when it’s hard. Take control of your life, and you’ll inspire others to do the same.”
Lauren credits her faith for keeping her grounded but reminds everyone that it’s okay not to be okay. “Society tells us to always be happy, but it’s fine to feel what you feel,” she says. “Care less about what others think — you’re already enough.”
Today, Lauren Wasser is more than a survivor. She’s a voice for women’s health and safety — and a reminder that true beauty lies in resilience, courage, and authenticity.