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
“1000-Lb Sisters” Star Flaunts 176-Lb Weight Loss and Proves Anything Is Possible
Amy Slaton, known from the show 1000-Lb Sisters, has amazed her fans by losing an incredible 176 pounds (79.8 kg). At 36 years old, Amy proudly showed off her new look on TikTok, wearing a strapless black dress. Let’s dive into her motivating journey.
Amy has been in the spotlight for a long time.
Amy was born in Dixon, Kentucky. She has four siblings, one of whom is Tammy Slaton. Tammy is her partner in crime on the show 1000-Lb Sisters.
Amy and Tammy’s combined weight was a thousand pounds (453 kg) in the first season. This brought them into the spotlight as fans watched their journey to lose weight and improve their health. Both sisters underwent weight-loss surgery to help them become slimmer and healthier.
She overcame both emotional and physical challenges.
Amy has faced significant relationship challenges. She was previously married to Michael Halterman. They had two sons together, Gage and Glenn. Their relationship began when they were both in high school. The couple separated less than a year after their second child was born. This breakup marked a pivotal point in Amy’s life, leading to personal growth and new relationships.
Amy has a disability due to her legal blindness. She has a rare eye condition called toxoplasmosis. But Amy has not let it stop her from pursuing success.
Her fans keep supporting her.
Despite her challenges, Amy has received overwhelming support from her fans. When she shared her recent breakup with her boyfriend, fans flooded her TikTok comments with messages of encouragement. Amy responded gratefully to them.
She thanked everyone and admitted that it had been a rough few days. But she isn’t crying over spilled milk.
Amy is focusing on her overall health.
Amy’s journey isn’t just about her relationships. In December 2023, she gave an exclusive interview about prioritizing her mental health and parenting over weight loss. This decision came after her split from Michael and her diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Amy emphasized the importance of a supportive environment for her family’s happiness and growth.
Before revealing her latest weight loss, Amy shared deep reflections on her emotional strength. She shared she doesn’t wish to surround herself with those who bring her down. She added she gets hurt but doesn’t let that hold her back.
A stunning transformation.
Amy has amazed her fans by losing an incredible 176 pounds (79kg). Amy had bariatric surgery, which helped her lose a total of 136 pounds (61kg) initially. She proudly showed off her new look on TikTok, wearing a strapless black dress with bows. Her transformation is a testament to her resilience and determination.
In her TikTok post, Amy wrote a caption that mixed vulnerability with celebration. She said she was “serving body baby with a dash of low self-esteem, but doing the thing.” This update came during a tough time in her life, as she was dealing with heartbreak.
Amy’s sister Tammy also went through a wonderful transformation. Read about her story here.
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