Life can change in an instant, and unfortunately, many of us have experienced that firsthand. But there are some who have experienced extreme life-altering events, like Lauren Wasser, a California model, whose life took a dramatic turn in 2012.
Lauren’s simple act of using a common hygiene product, used by millions of women worldwide, led to the loss of both her legs. A seemingly harmless infection forced doctors to amputate her right leg, and later, her left leg as well.
Instead of succumbing to self-pity, Lauren has chosen to turn her ordeal into an opportunity to raise awareness about the potential dangers of this product.
In 2012, when Lauren started experiencing flu-like symptoms, she sought medical help. To her surprise, it wasn’t the flu, but rather toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by bacterial toxins. This syndrome can occur if a tampon is left in for prolonged periods, leading to a severe infection.
Lauren spent over a week in a coma due to the infection. When she finally woke up, she had to face the reality of losing a leg. At just 24 years old, her life took an unexpected turn. But instead of focusing only on her own struggles, Lauren made it her mission to ensure other women were aware of the potential risks and could avoid similar hardships.
“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 that this doesn’t happen to others,” said Lauren.
She also took legal action against the tampon brand that she believes caused her severe reaction. Lauren firmly believes that consumers should be aware of the potential consequences, as the vagina is the most absorbent part of a woman’s body and can impact vital organs.
After her surgeries, Lauren shared a photo on social media, standing alongside another athlete, Amy Purdy, who also experienced amputation. In her post, Lauren expressed that although life would be different from now on, she was in great spirits and ready for the next chapter.
Lauren’s resilience and determination to protect others from similar experiences deserve our utmost respect. We applaud her bravery and commitment to advocating for the well-being of women everywhere.
