Rise up to the challenge and defy gravity - this is something that Lauren Wasser has done, despite of her battle with losing a leg.
Wasser was known as the model who almost lost her life in 2012 but luckily recovered, her right leg was taken in place of that precious life. The culprit for her disability was toxic shock syndrome, a disease that not only caused sickness but has also cost lives. TSS are caused by tampons. Lauren said the time she was hospitalized because of TSS was just like any other day she was doing her regular routine. She used a super-plus tampon that day, and started to feel sick during the day. She thought she could just sleep it off but then later on found herself in a hospital bed fighting for her life. She was on life support as her organs are failing.
She now speaks for women rights and is in on an ongoing lawsuit with Kimberly Clark Corp. They are the company that manufactures these tampons. She is demanding for transparency from this company that they reveal the health hazards women could face when using their products.
On an article with Time, the model was very happy as she shared her photos on Instagram. She modeled for Nordstrom Holiday catalog. She wears an athletic attire with her prosthetic leg being on full display as she wears those sneakers.
Her caption on Instagram: "Super stoked to see this out!" Saying it was a huge moment for her and her girlfriend Jennifer Rovero. She wrote: "The trophy leg killing it!"
Wasser said she got very emotional and in disbelief while the photos are being shot. People magazine said she is grateful for Nordstom for giving her the opportunity to create change and a different side of how beauty is like. She shared a close-up photo of her wearing the footwear she models.
Lauren Wasser is signed with modeling agencies Vision in Los Angeles, Supreme in New York. She stands 5"11' tall and she hopes to inspire others with her story and not to give up hope.
Vice, have a video about her, click here to watch.
