Lauren Wasser’s life was changed forever after contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome from a tampon. Now, she’s sharing her story and advocating for women’s safety and awareness.
Lauren Wasser, a Californian model, became an unwilling advocate for awareness after a simple yet life-threatening mistake led to the amputation of both her legs. In 2012, at just 24 years old, Lauren was struck by a condition that most people are unaware of: menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), a rare but fatal condition caused by bacterial toxins from tampons.
What started as flu-like symptoms quickly turned into a nightmare. Lauren had been using the same tampons she always used, following the instructions on the box. But after leaving a tampon in for several hours, the toxins entered her bloodstream, causing a severe infection. Her body began to shut down. With a fever of 42°C, her organs failed, and she suffered two heart attacks. She was given a mere 1% chance of survival.
The Long Road to Recovery
Lauren’s road to recovery was long and painful. After being placed in a coma for over a week, doctors were forced to amputate her right leg due to the severe infection. But the tragedy didn’t end there. Seven years after the initial amputation, Lauren’s second leg was also amputated. The toll the infection had taken on her body was irreversible.
In her darkest moments, Lauren found herself contemplating suicide. However, a single thought kept her going—the image of her little brother coming home from school and possibly finding her in that state. That realization was enough to shift her mindset, and over time, she began to see her struggle as a challenge rather than a defeat.
Finding a Greater Purpose
Lauren’s strength and determination led her to find a greater purpose: to raise awareness about the dangers of tampons and the risks of mTSS. She launched a legal battle against Kotex Natural Balance, the tampon brand responsible for triggering the condition, but it was her determination to prevent other women from facing the same fate that truly drove her forward.
“Considering that the vagina is the most absorbent part of a woman’s body and is a gateway to many of our vital organs, it is crucial that consumers know the reality of what could happen to them,” Lauren explained in InStyle.
Her efforts were instrumental in the creation of Ryan’s Law, legislation that ensures that no woman will have to risk her life simply by using a tampon.
Rebuilding and Embracing Her New Life
Despite losing both of her legs, Lauren’s resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. Embracing her new reality, she didn’t allow her prosthetic legs to be symbols of loss. Inspired by A$AP Rocky’s grills, she had her prosthetics cast in gold, viewing them not just as functional tools, but as works of art.
Lauren continues to live life unapologetically. She runs five miles a day, hikes with her dog, practices Pilates, plays basketball, and even stars in a global lingerie campaign. “There’s nothing I can’t do,” she says confidently. “Plus, I don’t need any pedicures.”
Lauren’s Message: Own Who You Are
Lauren’s story is not just about the physical challenges she has faced, but about the mental strength required to overcome them. She knows that the path she’s walked hasn’t been easy, but it’s been hers to navigate. She wants others to see her as a reminder that, no matter how traumatic life may be, resilience can turn adversity into strength.
Her message is clear: “Own who you are,” she says. “Walk out that door every day with a smile—even if you don’t feel like it. Take control of your life and you’ll inspire others to do the same.”
Lauren also acknowledges that it’s okay not to be okay. In a society that pressures everyone to be happy all the time, she encourages people to care a little less about what others think and to remember that they are already enough.
Raising Awareness and Advocating for Change
Lauren Wasser continues to fight for women’s safety and for those who have lost their lives or their health to mTSS. Her journey, from despair to strength, has been fueled by a desire to protect others from what she endured.
“Life will throw punches, but resilience opens the door to endless possibilities,” she reflects. “Nobody should ever have to risk their life just by using a tampon.”
