Lauren Wasser’s life changed forever at age 24 when she lost both legs due to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by tampon use. What started as flu-like symptoms quickly escalated—kidney failure, two heart attacks, and eventually gangrene. After waking from a medically induced coma, Lauren had to have her right leg amputated, and in 2018, she lost her left leg too.

But Lauren, who was born into the modeling world and once appeared in Vogue as a baby, didn’t let this tragedy stop her. She returned to the runway with striking gold prosthetic legs and a powerful message: beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience and authenticity. “You’re beautiful in the skin you’re in,” she says.

Lauren is also a fierce advocate for women’s health. She raises awareness about the dangers of TSS and pushes for better regulation of menstrual products. “Tampons are made with harmful chemicals like chlorine bleach and dioxin,” she warns, urging for safer options and more transparency.

Now 35, Lauren’s modeling career is stronger than ever—she’s walked for Louis Vuitton, Gabriela Hearst, and starred in campaigns for Lacoste and Shiseido. She’s also training for a marathon and playing basketball again.

Through it all, Lauren remains committed to making fashion more inclusive. Her strength, style, and advocacy prove that no one should be defined by their setbacks. As she puts it: “I’ve worked so hard to be myself—and never take ‘no’ for an answer.”