Lauren Wasser, a model and activist, has overcome incredible challenges to become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. Despite losing both her legs to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon in 2012, she refused to let it define her.
Today, Wasser is a vocal advocate for women’s health and safety. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of TSS and the need for better regulation of menstrual products.
Lauren Wasser was born on March 2, 1988, into a family of models in California. Her parents worked in the industry, and Lauren’s debut in Vogue as a baby revealed her natural affinity for fashion.
Lauren Wasser excelled as a basketball player and even earned a prestigious athletic scholarship. Although she had a promising sports career, she ultimately chose to pursue a modeling career while continuing to lead an active lifestyle.
At just 24 years old, Lauren Wasser’s life took a dramatic turn. In a candid interview, she revealed, “I lost both of my legs because of a tampon.”
Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by the excessive growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, resulting in a deadly toxin in the bloodstream. TSS gained widespread recognition in the late 1970s when several young women fell seriously ill. By the 1980s, the syndrome affected about 6 in 100,000 people.
Lauren’s symptoms started with flu-like signs but quickly progressed to renal failure and two heart attacks. With slim chances of survival, she was placed in a medically induced coma.
Upon waking up from the coma, Lauren Wasser shared in an emotional interview, “I woke up a week and a half later and had no idea what had happened… From there, my feet were on fire, and gangrene set into my right leg and my left foot. There was no option. I had to amputate my right leg.” Unfortunately, her left leg had to be amputated in 2018.
While raising awareness about TSS, Lauren Wasser emphasizes the harmful components of tampons. She explains, “They are made using chlorine bleach, dioxin, and synthetic fibers, which create the perfect storm in our bodies.” Lauren has joined forces with Madeline Mosby, a mother who lost her daughter to TSS, to work towards changing the world.
Despite her challenges, Lauren Wasser made a remarkable comeback in the modeling world, earning the nickname “the girl with the golden legs.” She believes in embracing and highlighting our scars and imperfections. Instead of opting for prosthetics that matched her skin color, she chose gold-toned ones, fully embracing her new identity.
“I made it my own and gave it life, so to speak. Changing my perception,” Lauren expressed.
Lauren Wasser continues to make a significant impact in the fashion industry while advocating for greater inclusivity. After the amputation of her left leg, she has embraced a more active lifestyle, returning to her passion for basketball and training for an upcoming marathon. Her modeling career is thriving, with appearances for renowned brands like Gabriela Hearst and Louis Vuitton in 2022 and features in campaigns for Lacoste, Furla, and Shiseido.
In addition to her successful modeling journey, Lauren Wasser remains committed to championing inclusivity in the fashion world. She embraces people with disabilities and diverse backgrounds and has been recognized for her advocacy with a place on Harper’s Bazaar’s 2022 Women of the Year special edition covers, standing alongside other inspirational women.
