Lauren Wasser was a 24-year-old model living in California when her life changed forever. She went to the hospital with what felt like the flu—but it turned out to be something far more serious. It was menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), a rare but life-threatening reaction caused by bacteria linked to tampon use.

Lauren had been using tampons just as millions of women do—following the instructions and never thinking it could put her in danger. But the infection hit fast and hard. She fell into a coma, suffered multiple organ failures, and had two heart attacks. Doctors gave her only a 1% chance of surviving.

She woke up to devastating news: her right leg had to be amputated to save her life.

A Shocking Cause, A Powerful Mission

The cause of the infection? A commonly used tampon brand. Lauren later sued the company, but what mattered more to her was making sure no other woman had to go through what she did.

Years later, she also had to lose her other leg due to complications from the same illness. But instead of giving up, Lauren found a new purpose.

“I should still have my legs,” she says. “No woman should have to risk her life just by using a tampon.”

Turning Pain into Power

At her lowest point, Lauren thought about ending her life. The only thing that stopped her was the thought of her younger brother coming home to find her. That moment became a turning point. Slowly, she began to rebuild—not just her body, but her spirit.

She learned that other women had died or been injured by mTSS for decades, and that many people had no idea it was even a risk. So Lauren began to speak out, turning her pain into purpose.

Today, she’s more than a model—she’s an advocate, an athlete, and an inspiration.

Living Boldly

Lauren didn’t just adapt—she embraced her new reality. She had her prosthetic legs covered in gold and now calls them her “golden legs.” Why not turn them into art, she figured? Today, she runs, hikes, does Pilates, plays basketball, and even starred in a global lingerie campaign.

“There’s nothing I can’t do,” she says with a smile. “And the best part? No more pedicures!”

A Message for Every Woman

Lauren’s story is about more than what happened to her—it’s about what she’s chosen to do with it. She wants every woman to know the risks of mTSS, and to never let tragedy steal their strength.

“Own who you are,” she says. “Walk out the door with a smile, even if you don’t feel like it. Be yourself. You’re already enough.”

She credits her faith and her inner strength for getting her through, and encourages others to care less about perfection and more about purpose. “This year,” she says, “worry less about what people think.”

Please share Lauren’s story. It could help save a life.