Model Lauren Wasser Lost Both Legs to a Tampon—Now She’s on a Mission to Save Others

Lauren Wasser, a model from California, lost her right leg in 2012—and the cause was something few people would ever imagine: a tampon.

What started as what she thought was the flu turned out to be something far more dangerous—menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS)—a life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins. The infection was linked to the use of a tampon, which had been left in for several hours. Lauren had been following the instructions on the box, just like millions of other women do every month.

But that day, something went horribly wrong. She was rushed to the hospital with a 108°F fever, her organs began to fail, and she suffered two heart attacks. Doctors gave her a 1% chance of survival. She was placed in a coma and, when she woke up over a week later, they had amputated her right leg to save her life. She was just 24 years old.

Fighting for Change

After her recovery, Lauren launched a legal battle against Kotex Natural Balance, the brand of tampon linked to her infection. She’s been speaking out ever since, warning women about the potential dangers of certain menstrual products.

“Our vaginas are the most absorbent part of the body,” she told InStyle. “They’re connected to vital organs. Consumers deserve to know the risks.”

Seven years later, the infection returned—and doctors were forced to amputate her left leg as well.

Rock Bottom and the Road Back

Lauren admitted the darkest moments nearly broke her. She struggled with depression and even considered ending her life. What stopped her? Her younger brother. She couldn’t stand the thought of him being the one to find her.

That moment shifted her perspective. Over time, she began to rebuild—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She chose to see her experience not as a death sentence, but as a second chance. And she’s been using that chance to fight for others.

When she discovered that toxic shock had been killing and injuring women for decades, she found her purpose: to be the voice that breaks the silence. “I should still have my legs,” she says. “No woman should risk her life just for using a tampon.”

Turning Trauma into Empowerment

Today, Lauren is reclaiming her life in powerful ways. She had her prosthetic legs cast in gold—turning them into bold, artistic statements. Inspired by A$AP Rocky’s gold grills, she figured, “Why not wear gold jewelry all the time?”

She runs five miles a day, hikes with her dog, does Pilates, plays basketball, and even models lingerie in international campaigns. “There’s nothing I can’t do,” she says. “And hey, no pedicures needed.”

Her Message: “Own Who You Are”

Lauren knows her journey hasn’t been easy—but it’s made her who she is. She hopes her story reminds others that even in the face of trauma, there’s strength, beauty, and purpose.

“Life will knock you down,” she says, “but how you rise defines you.”

She credits her faith for keeping her grounded, but she also urges people to give themselves permission to struggle. “We live in a world that pressures us to be happy all the time,” she says. “This year, care less about what others think. You’re already enough.”

Her advice? “Own who you are. Walk out the door with a smile—even on the hard days. You never know who you’ll inspire.”