Lauren Wasser was a 24-year-old model when a tampon nearly cost her life. In 2012, she was rushed to the hospital with flu-like symptoms and fell into a coma. Diagnosed with menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), she suffered organ failure and two heart attacks. Doctors gave her a one-percent chance of survival. Her right leg was amputated due to the infection, and years later, her left leg too.
Devastated but determined, Lauren turned her pain into purpose, becoming a global advocate for menstrual health. She campaigns for safer period products, transparent labeling, and public education.
Lauren redefined beauty by embracing her prosthetic legs—now gold-plated—and returned to modeling, sports, and activism. Her story encourages women to value themselves, speak up, and live boldly.