-LAUREN WASSER -

Model Lauren Wasser, who suffered from toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and lost both of her legs, has thought about the long-term effects of the near-death experience.

When Wasser was 24 years old in 2012, she experienced TSS. If left untreated, TSS, which is brought on by an overabundance of the bacterium staphylococcus aureus in the body, can soon turn fatal. TSS caused Wasser to experience organ failure, necessitating the amputation of both of her legs. The model received two prosthetic golden legs, earning her the nickname "Girl with the Golden Legs" in the process.

In a recent interview for the magazine's December/January issue, Wasser—who will receive the "Model of the Year" honor at the 2022 Harper Bazaar Women of The Year Awards—spoke candidly about her stay in the hospital.

"I was in a hospital for three months, losing every aspect of myself physically, emotionally, and I was just in this place of horror," Wasser said. "I thought that was it." Since then, Wasser has devoted a significant portion of her efforts to educating people about TSS and promoting greater openness in women's period products.

"A tampon almost ended my life. I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't struggled through the darkness. Wasser also shared her thoughts on how to "accept" oneself in the hope that it might be helpful to others. "The one lesson I've taken away from this experience is to accept the parts of yourself that you might not like. Nobody can say anything negative about you if you accept it and are proud of it, Wasser said. “Just be you. That’s the most beautiful thing, because there’s only one of you.”

Wasser said she tried to transform her experience "into something beautiful and impactful" as she thought back on how her life had altered over the previous ten years. "I'm incredibly proud of how far I've gone and that I made it through that period of gloom. I had to go through so much anguish and pain... I'm glad I persisted and that I didn't let it prevent me from living my life, said Wasser.