A tampon triggered a severe infection that escalated into toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a potentially life-threatening condition. For American model Lauren Wasser, the experience permanently altered the course of her life.

In October 2012, at age 24, Wasser developed what she initially thought was the flu. She was found unresponsive, face down on her bedroom floor, with a dangerously high fever. Doctors later determined she was minutes from death. Her organs were failing, she suffered heart attacks, and she was placed in an induced coma. Lab results confirmed toxic shock syndrome linked to a tampon she had been using.

The infection led to gangrene. To save her life, surgeons amputated her right leg below the knee. Her left foot was also severely damaged—toes were lost and the heel was compromised—but she fought to keep the leg. Years of chronic pain and complications followed. In 2018, she made the difficult decision to have her left leg amputated as well.

Wasser refused to let the losses define her future. She learned to walk with prosthetic legs, including distinctive golden ones that later earned her the nickname “the girl with the golden legs.” She returned to modeling, walking major runways and appearing in campaigns. She has spoken openly about her experience to raise awareness of toxic shock syndrome, its connection to tampon use, and the need for greater transparency about menstrual product ingredients.

Her story has become a powerful example of resilience. After facing profound physical and emotional challenges, Wasser continues to advocate for safer products and to demonstrate that it is possible to rebuild a meaningful, visible life after devastating loss.

Sources

• Washington Post, People, Vogue, and Fox News coverage of Lauren Wasser’s experience with toxic shock syndrome and subsequent amputations
• Wasser’s own interviews and essays describing the 2012 illness, surgeries, and advocacy work