David Gargiulo__ Tell me a little bit about yourself, where did you grow up?

Lauren Wasser__ I was super lucky because I had a badass mom determined to make her dreams come true; she was a successful model and had me at 21. We lived all over London, Paris, New York and we finally settled in Los Angeles. So, I would say I’m a well-traveled kid, with roots in LA.

David __ In 2012, you contracted toxic shock syndrome. Psychologically, the experience must have been devastating. Please tell us how you felt and where you are today.

Lauren Wasser __ It was the darkest moment of my life. I couldn’t believe it happened and happened so fast. My life changed forever within a few minutes and the damage done was already irreversible. The recovery seemed like it was impossible. I was literally stripped of everything I knew. My hair was gone because it got matted, I was 200 pounds because they had to flush my system with 80 pounds of fluid to get all of the toxins out. I had no right leg and my left foot was a huge painful question. I was in a wheelchair for a long 8 months. I would cry in the shower screaming at God every single day. I was so angry, and I didn’t see a future. In my mind, it was over. I really believed I would never be accepted by the modeling world or by anyone. I thought I should end my life so everyone could just move on. But something inside my heart (God) was telling me to hold on. My little brother was 14 at the time and coming home from school, and I knew if I took my own life, he would be the one to find me. I couldn’t live with that. I wanted to show him something different - that no matter what happens in life you get back up. So here I am. I’m so grateful I didn’t... that I pushed myself over the biggest mountain. I get to hug my mom and see my brother grow into a man. Mental health is important. The mind is so powerful, and we have a choice every day, no matter what challenges arise. To be where I am today knowing I have jumped, pushed and pulled my way through the unimaginable; I hope anyone facing their own trials in life can see me and my story and know that it’s possible to get through it. You’re not alone. If I can make it, so can you.

David  __ Beauty is very subjective. How would you define beauty? 

David __ As a fashion model, having both of your legs amputated and embracing your new reality, have you ever felt discriminated against in the fashion industry? If so, how do you deal with it? 

Lauren __ I know for a fact that if I had lost my legs 10 years ago, I probably wouldn’t have been looked at in the fashion industry. However, we are in an exciting time for diversity and changing the idea of beauty, celebrating everyone for who they are. Personally, I know that I have created a lane in modeling that never existed. No blueprint. I leave the house everyday knowing that when people see me, stare and are in awe of me it’s because they have never seen someone like myself. The way I dress, the way I walk, run - how fluid I am and how “normal” I live my life. They see me in ads and then in person and trip out. I feel like a superhero, and I hope that I’m inspiring people to truly be who they are. To live their best lives no matter what and never give up on their dreams.

David __ How do you prepare for your fashion shoots? Is there a message that you want to keep consistent across your work?

Lauren__ Depending on the call time I might hit the snooze button a million times (lol), but I love my job. I love working with different brands, creating, putting on the best playlist, getting everyone on set on the same vibe and having fun. The message I hope I leave with anyone and everyone I work with is that I’m just like anyone else. There isn’t anything I can’t do. I don’t want to be labelled or thrown into a box. The only difference is I have gold legs, constant bling on 24/7 and I have my high heel legs which I’m excited to finally use on the runway. I’m also training right now for the New York City marathon which will happen in November. Nothing is off limits for me!

David__ You have been outspoken in the political sphere, what would you like to see change?

Lauren __ I just want transparency and support around products women around the world use every single day. We need consistent research and a PUBLIC database to properly track the ways these products (that massive corporations are constantly releasing) are affecting us. 

David __  Your gold legs are amazing and you show them off so well! What do they mean to you?What do they mean to you?

Lauren __ I’m so grateful for technology; living in a day and age where I am able to live my life the way that I want is an absolute luxury. My relationship with my legs has obviously evolved. Becoming one and knowing that without accepting and figuring it out, I wouldn’t be able to be who I am right now. It was so surreal and unfathomable that I actually had to cut off my legs to gain a new set. It was the only chance to have freedom and normalcy again. I’ve been able to use it as my strength. I love ASAP Rocky's gold grill and his style — It gave me the inspiration to rock gold legs. I wanted to be the first and have that be my statement piece. It’s a blessing, I’m so proud to be the girl with the golden legs!

David __ I understand that sports are very important to you and you have been involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. What does this organization do, and how is it important to other amputees like yourself? 

Lauren __ I've been an athlete all my life. I played basketball, even had a D1 scholarship. When I lost my legs, I lost my freedom to stand alone or walk to the bathroom. It's now a luxury. Becoming one with my prosthetics was the only way I was going to make it because without them I wouldn’t be able to be who I am; the way I walk and move or run, hike, drive. Before becoming an amputee, I had no idea how expensive prosthetics are. I’m so grateful that CAF helps give people and kids their lives back through mobility and freedom to live their best lives. Giving them something that’s truly priceless. Prosthetics are so expensive and health insurance only covers the basic needs, which means a basic leg or foot, which I describe as a peg leg. CAF gives you the opportunity to run again - to bike, to play baseball, whatever you dream of doing. I’ve met so many amazing people and kids because of CAF, they are able to live the way they deserve, as all of us do. It’s such a beautiful organization and to be around these kids is so inspiring. Seeing their smiles, not letting anything stop them, and their pure determination is incredibly inspiring for me - it's what keeps me going.

David __ You are currently working on a documentary, can you share any details about it? 

Lauren __ It’s hours of raw unseen footage of me at the darkest moments of my life. I wanted to make this documentary to showcase the reality of my life; almost having a tampon killed me and what my feet actually looked like - black and dead. I can’t go too deep into it yet but it’s honestly wild the shit I’ve been through. It’s so important because I can tell you all day about my story and how dangerous our feminine hygiene products are, but to visually experience what happened to me is completely different. I hope it angers people and gets everyone inspired to make a difference both young and old.

David __ The pandemic put the world in hibernation. What will you prioritize now that we are reopening the country? 

Lauren __ I feel like in a way people may be even more self-absorbed. I pray people see that loving themselves and being the best version inside and out is the biggest flex. Loving the ones closest to you harder; to know that this life isn’t forever, that we expire and with this time we need to ask ourselves, "what mark are we leaving on the world?" Also, let’s not forget there are still countries going through the trenches. I pray we all come out having a better understanding of what’s really important; health, love and all the amazing things we are so lucky to have are at our fingertips. Hopefully, it inspires people to live to their fullest extent.

David __ You are the definition of a heroine to many. What message would you like to share with our readers?

Lauren __ Whatever you are facing in life, you got this. Have faith and believe, trust the process of life. We only learn in the most difficult and uncomfortable times. See it as a challenge because you will surprise yourself with all that is in you.