Lauren Wasser is a model and activist who has overcome incredible odds to become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. In 2012, Wasser lost both legs due to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon. Despite this devastating setback, Wasser refused to let it define her. She has since become a vocal advocate for women’s health and safety, using her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of TSS and the need for better menstrual product regulation.
Lauren Wasser grew up in a family of models.
Lauren Wasser was born into the fashion industry in California on March 2, 1988. Her parents were both professional models, and she first appeared in Vogue alongside her mom when she was just 4 months old. Unsurprisingly, the young girl would be drawn to this career path.
She lived a full and active life until she became ill.
Lauren Wasser was a talented basketball player who even received a prestigious athletic scholarship. However, she decided to pursue her modeling career instead. Even so, she maintained an active lifestyle for several years.
Her world was turned upside down at the young age of 24.
AtThe Diary of a CEOpodcast, Lauren Wasser, age 35, shockingly revealed her harrowing experience by saying, “I lost both of my legs because of a tampon.”
The syndrome results from an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, which can produce a deadly toxin in the bloodstream. TSS first caught public attention in the United States in the late 1970s when several young women became gravely ill. By the 1980s, the syndrome was infecting people at a rate of approximately 6 in 100,000.
It all started with flu-like symptoms, followed by renal failure and, ultimately, two heart attacks, all due to the rare and life-threatening syndrome. With a slim chance of surviving, doctors had to put Wasser into a medically-induced coma to save her life.
After regaining consciousness a week and a half later, Lauren Wasser shared in a poignant interview, “I woke up a week and a half later and had no idea what had even happened. They pumped me full of 80 pounds of fluid.” Tragically, her situation worsened as gangrene spread, causing her right leg and left foot to be engulfed in searing pain. “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.” Then, in 2018, she faced another heartbreaking setback as her left leg had to be amputated.
Lauren Wasser advocates for TSS awareness and safer menstrual products.
As she spoke out about the dangers of TSS, Lauren Wasser emphasized the harmful constituents of tampons, stating, “[They] are made using chlorine bleach, dioxin, and synthetic fibers, which create the perfect storm in our bodies.”
“I have been working with a mother who lost her teenage daughter to TSS when she was 18 — Madeline Mosby. Through the darkness and trauma of that, we have joined forces in wanting to change the world.”
She returned to modeling and became the “girl with the golden legs.”
“My whole job has been to show that you are enough, and you’re beautiful in the skin you’re in and highlighting your scars and the things that you hate most.” With this resolution in mind, Lauren Wasser decided to return to the modeling industry and started looking for gigs again. While many of her colleagues supported her decision to return to modeling, some doubted whether she could make a successful comeback.
Wasser decided to choose gold-toned prosthetics instead of prosthetics that matched her skin color after entirely accepting her new condition. “Making it my own and giving it life, so to speak, changed my perception,” she said, explaining her choice in an interview. Thus, she became the “girl with the golden legs” and started walking for famous designers again.
Currently, she’s still taking the fashion world by storm and fighting for more inclusivity.
Following the amputation of her left leg due to chronic pain, the model is now able to lead a more active lifestyle. She has resumed playing basketball, which is her passion and is even preparing for a marathon shortly. Additionally, Wasser’s modeling career is flourishing as she walked for Gabriela Hearst and Louis Vuitton in 2022 and was featured in Lacoste, Furla, and Shiseido campaigns.
In addition to her thriving modeling career, Wasser remains dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and acceptance of individuals with disabilities and diverse conditions within the fashion industry. Her activism and contributions to the fashion world have earned her a spot on Harper’s Bazaar’s special-edition Women of the Year 2022 covers, alongside other inspiring women.” I’ve worked so hard to be myself and never take ‘no’ for an answer,” is how Lauren Wasser sums up her success.
Lauren Wasser’s incredible journey from tragedy to triumph is just the beginning of a new era in modeling. Stay tuned to learn about 16 more unusual models who are revolutionizing the beauty industry.
Preview photo credit theimpossiblemuse / Instagram, theimpossiblemuse / Instagram
Unveiling My Spouse’s Hidden Truth on Our Initial Wedding Night
In a narrative of openness and affection, Jenny and Alex navigate the repercussions of a childhood ordeal that surfaces during their marriage’s inception. As Jenny grasps the extent of Alex’s apprehension, ignited by a harrowing incident from his past, she embraces a role of empathy and encouragement.
Falling profoundly for Alex was akin to embarking on an enigmatic tale where the conclusion remains a mystery. We encountered each other in what felt like a whirlwind romance; it didn’t take us long to determine that we desired a lifetime together. We opted for patience, keeping our bond purely spiritual and emotional, which remarkably deepened our connection.
Alex, with his guarded demeanor, hinted at a somber chapter from his youth, one he wasn’t prepared to disclose. Knowing he entrusted me with even that small revelation strengthened our bond further. It’s as if we’re co-authors of this love story, navigating each chapter together.
Throughout our wedding preparations, traces of Alex’s past and his concealed truth began to surface more frequently. I noticed, but I refrained from pressing him to reveal something he wasn’t ready to share. It left me with a blend of curiosity and reverence for Alex’s privacy, opting to focus on the love and anticipation of our imminent marriage. Even when I attempted to express my concerns, my mother-in-law swiftly dismissed them, assuring me everything was fine.
My relationship with Mrs. Green, Alex’s mother, evolved into something truly exceptional. She wasn’t just a mother-in-law but a confidante and friend. When it came time to select gifts for Alex’s birthday and Christmas, she served as my trusted advisor, ensuring each gift was thoughtful and personal.
The gesture that solidified our bond was when she entrusted me with their family heirloom ring—a gesture of acceptance and trust. It wasn’t merely a piece of jewelry; it symbolized acceptance into the family, a testament to the affectionate and trusting relationship we shared.
Following our magnificent wedding day, filled with dancing, heartfelt speeches, and boundless love, Alex and I were utterly exhausted by the time we reached our room. Every moment was precious, from the heartfelt vows to the lively dance floor antics and the countless photos with everyone. Honestly, just recollecting how we managed to endure it all is making me weary once more.
Nestling into bed felt like a serene escape, a moment to truly savor the joy of the day. Despite our weariness, there was a beautiful sense of embarking on our life journey together, a mixture of excitement and a profound, comforting exhaustion.
As I awaited in bed, adorned in my finest attire, I overheard him conversing with his mom behind the door. Mrs. Green? What was she doing here? Surely, she wouldn’t become one of those mothers-in-law who feel the need to offer guidance to their precious son on the first night! Or worse, could she be here to instruct me?
“Mom, I can’t do it. Can you come in?”
My heart raced as the door creaked open. I sheepishly pulled the covers up to my chin and gazed at them in disbelief.
“What’s going on?”
After a brief silence, during which Mrs. Green seemed to ponder her response, she turned to her son, her eyes wide. “Wait. Have you told her about the—”
Alex shook his head.
“Then do! What have you been thinking about?! The poor thing must be thinking we’re a pair of oddballs!”
Alex met my gaze with a solemn expression before heaving a sigh and beginning to divulge his deepest secret.
“When I was merely 5 years old, the unimaginable occurred—a burglar shattered the tranquility of our home by intruding through my bedroom window. That night, shrouded in darkness, my world was forever altered. The intruder’s silhouette, a menacing presence in my sanctuary, left me paralyzed with fear, unable to utter a sound or escape. The aftermath of that violation instilled in me a profound and enduring fear that lingered long after the shattered glass was swept away and the window secured.
“In the nights that ensued, my bedroom resembled a battleground, with each shadow serving as a reminder of my vulnerability. Sleep, once a refuge, became an insurmountable challenge. Yet, amidst my terror, my mother emerged as my guardian angel.
“Night after night, she remained by my bedside, her presence a beacon of safety in the darkness. With the soothing cadence of her voice, she wove tales of bravery and adventure, narrating stories of heroes who confronted their fears and emerged triumphant. Her words, gentle and reassuring, served as a salve to my terrified soul, guiding me toward the tranquil shores of sleep.
“These bedtime narratives, more than mere stories, became our ritual, a shared voyage back to a sense of normalcy and security. My mother’s unwavering devotion and love taught me that even in the grip of paralyzing fear, there exists a reservoir of strength within us, a resilience that can be nurtured and cultivated.
“Since that fateful night, my mother has been my constant companion in the pursuit of peace as I drift off to sleep, her presence a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.”
Learning of Alex’s secret left me reeling, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Initially, there was shock, as the depth of his trauma surpassed my expectations. Then came understanding, a realization of the burden he had carried all these years. My heart ached for him, for the child he once was and the man he had become.
With this newfound knowledge, there also came a renewed determination, a resolve to be the support he needed. Love, after all, means standing united, especially in the face of hidden struggles.
“So… how can I assist you?” I inquired, grasping his hand. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room felt warm and comforting, like a cozy blanket.
“When Alex feels anxious or overwhelmed, particularly at night, embracing him in a specific manner has always provided solace,” Mrs. Green began, her tone serene and reassuring. “Hold him close, with his head resting near your heart. It’s a technique that has comforted him since childhood.
“Although he has mostly outgrown this need, his anxiety can still overwhelm him during times of stress. It’s crucial to be patient and understanding, offering him that physical reassurance. This approach has often been instrumental in helping him find tranquility and drift off to sleep.”
In that tender moment, as I cradled Alex in the manner his mother described, I felt a profound connection between us. His head nestled near my heart, and gradually, his tense demeanor melted into the embrace. Despite the initial shock of learning about his anxiety, understanding washed over me, bringing a deep sense of empathy and readiness to support him.
As he finally succumbed to sleep, the weight of his worries seemed to diminish. Mrs. Green, witnessing this scene, quietly exited the room with a silent nod of approval and gratitude in her eyes. It was evident she found solace in knowing her son was in caring hands.
Following that pivotal night, Alex and I embarked on a transformative journey. We became more open, delving deeper into understanding and supporting each other’s needs. Learning to alleviate his anxieties became an integral part of our lives, and truthfully, it brought us closer.
We confronted his vulnerabilities head-on, finding strength in each other. Our journey resembled a crash course in love, empathy, and resilience. It’s remarkable how facing challenges together has only strengthened our bond. I just wanted to share our small triumph—love truly conquers all.
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