A California woman named Lauren Wasser is speaking out to warn others about a life-altering experience caused by a product many women use every month: tampons.

Back in 2012, Lauren—a young model at the time—was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms that wouldn’t go away. After running tests, doctors discovered it wasn’t the flu, but toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a severe condition triggered by bacterial toxins. The source of the infection? A tampon that had been left in too long.

Lauren fell into a coma for over a week. When she woke up, doctors had no choice but to amputate one of her legs due to the damage the infection had caused. She was just 24 years old.

Since then, Lauren has become an outspoken advocate for awareness about TSS and the risks associated with tampon use. She’s also pursuing legal action against the manufacturer, Kotex Natural Balance, the brand linked to her infection.

“In a few months, I’m inevitably going to have my other leg amputated. There’s nothing I can do about it. But what I can do is help make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else,” she told The Daily Mail.

In a piece for InStyle, Lauren emphasized the importance of awareness: “Considering the vagina is the most absorbent part of a woman’s body and a gateway to many vital organs, consumers need to understand what’s at stake.”

After her second leg was amputated, Lauren proudly posed with Paralympic athlete Amy Purdy—another double amputee—in a show of strength and resilience.

“Life is about to be so different, again! I’m in great spirits though and ready for my next chapter,” she said.

Despite everything she’s endured, Lauren remains committed to living her life to the fullest and ensuring that others don’t suffer the same fate.