Model Lauren Wasser Shares Her Near-Death Experience from Toxic Shock Syndrome
Los Angeles-based model Lauren Wasser recently revealed her harrowing experience with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon, which ultimately led to the amputation of both her legs. In an interview on The Diary Of A CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Wasser discussed the lasting impact of her near-death experience and her determination to warn women and young girls about the potential risks associated with tampons.
In 2012, when Wasser was just 24 years old, she turned down a basketball scholarship to focus on her fashion career. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing flu-like symptoms, which she initially dismissed. It wasn’t until she was found in her apartment, unconscious and covered in feces and vomit, that the severity of her condition became apparent.
Wasser was rushed to the hospital, where her fever reached a dangerous 107 degrees. She suffered a heart attack and multiple organ failures, eventually being put into a medically-induced coma. It was during this time that a test revealed she had TSS, a rare and life-threatening bacterial infection that is often misdiagnosed due to its similarities to other illnesses. Unfortunately, while doctors were able to save her life, the damage from gangrene was irreparable, resulting in the amputation of both her legs below the knee.
Reflecting on her experience, Wasser shared the emotional moment when she overheard a nurse discussing the need for her right leg to be amputated. She remembers screaming for her loved ones, unable to comprehend the severity of her situation until that moment.
Despite the physical and emotional challenges she faced, Wasser has not let her disability hinder her career. She has since become a successful model, starring in campaigns for brands like Lacoste, Furla, and Shiseido. Her golden prosthetic legs have earned her the nickname “fashion’s Girl with the Golden Legs.”
In addition to her modeling work, Wasser has been dedicated to raising awareness about TSS and advocating for better transparency in feminine hygiene products. She has teamed up with Madeline Mosby, a mother who lost her daughter to TSS, to push for legislation that requires manufacturers to list all ingredients in menstrual products. Working alongside Democratic congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Wasser hopes to bring about important changes in the industry.
Wasser’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of tampons and the importance of education and transparency regarding feminine hygiene products. As she continues to empower others through her advocacy work, Wasser remains an inspiration to many.