How did a vibrant 19-year-old college student die from Toxic Shock Syndrome. What are the symptoms and risks of TSS. How can awareness be raised to prevent future tragedies.

The Heartbreaking Story of Madalyn Massabni

In March 2017, a joyous occasion turned into an unimaginable tragedy for the Massabni family. Madalyn Massabni, a 19-year-old fashion student at Lynn University in Florida, had returned home to New Jersey to celebrate her birthday with her mother, Dawn. What should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into a nightmare as Madalyn fell ill and rapidly deteriorated.

Dawn Massabni recounts the harrowing experience: “The next morning she could hardly respond to me and she couldn’t speak. I don’t even know if she knew who I was and I called 911 right away.” Despite the swift response of emergency services, Madalyn suffered a seizure and a heart attack in her mother’s arms. She was rushed to the hospital, but tragically passed away on March 30th, just three days after her 19th birthday.

Understanding Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Madalyn’s official cause of death was determined to be Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). This rare but serious condition is caused by certain types of staphylococcus bacteria. While TSS is not exclusively linked to tampon use, women who use tampons are at a higher risk of developing this potentially fatal illness.

What exactly is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

TSS is a severe bacterial infection that can affect people of all ages and genders. However, it is most commonly associated with menstruating women who use tampons. The condition occurs when certain bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus, produce toxins that overwhelm the body’s immune system.

How prevalent is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the incidence of TSS in the United States is estimated to be between 0.8 and 3.4 cases per 100,000 people. While this may seem relatively low, the potential severity of the condition makes it a significant concern.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

One of the most critical aspects of preventing TSS-related fatalities is early recognition of symptoms. The challenge lies in the fact that initial symptoms can be easily mistaken for other, less severe illnesses.

• Sudden high fever
• Low blood pressure
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on palms and soles
• Confusion or disorientation
• Muscle aches
• Redness of eyes, mouth, and throat
• Seizures

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur, especially during menstruation or if there’s a possibility of a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body.

Risk Factors and Prevention of TSS

While Toxic Shock Syndrome can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk of developing this condition. Understanding these risk factors is key to prevention.

Who is most at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome?

The following groups are considered to be at higher risk for developing TSS:

• Women who use super-absorbent tampons, especially if left in for extended periods
• Individuals with cuts, burns, or surgical wounds
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those who have recently had a viral infection, such as the flu or chickenpox

How can Toxic Shock Syndrome be prevented?

Prevention of TSS primarily involves proper hygiene and careful use of tampons. Here are some key prevention strategies:

1. Change tampons frequently, at least every 4-8 hours
2. Use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary for your flow
3. Alternate between tampons and pads during your period
4. Wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon
5. Avoid using tampons when not menstruating
6. Clean and care for any wounds properly
7. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an infection

The Impact of Madalyn’s Story: A Mother’s Mission

In the wake of her daughter’s tragic death, Dawn Massabni has made it her mission to raise awareness about Toxic Shock Syndrome. Her goal is to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.

“It’s been torture and hell since the day she left me,” Dawn shares. “I miss her so much. I miss hearing, ‘I love you, Mommy.'” Despite her grief, Dawn has channeled her pain into advocacy, working tirelessly to educate others about the risks of TSS and the importance of proper tampon use.

How is Dawn Massabni raising awareness about TSS?

Dawn has taken several steps to spread information about Toxic Shock Syndrome:

• Sharing Madalyn’s story through media interviews and public speaking engagements
• Advocating for improved education about menstrual health and TSS in schools
• Supporting research into TSS prevention and treatment
• Encouraging open conversations about menstrual health and hygiene

The Medical Community’s Response to TSS

The medical community has been working to better understand, prevent, and treat Toxic Shock Syndrome. Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have been instrumental in providing guidance and raising awareness about TSS.

What is the current medical understanding of TSS?

Medical professionals recognize TSS as a serious but rare condition. The ACOG emphasizes that leaving a tampon in the vagina for too long is a significant risk factor for developing TSS. However, they also stress that TSS can occur in non-menstruating individuals due to infections associated with skin or surgical wounds.

Research is ongoing to improve diagnostic techniques and treatment protocols for TSS. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in managing the condition and preventing severe complications or death.

Legislative Action and Public Health Initiatives

In the wake of cases like Madalyn’s, there have been calls for increased regulation and public health initiatives related to menstrual products and TSS awareness.

What legislative actions are being considered to address TSS?

Several initiatives are being discussed or implemented at various levels:

• Improved labeling requirements for tampon packaging, including clear warnings about TSS
• Mandated education about menstrual health and TSS in school health curricula
• Increased funding for research into TSS prevention and treatment
• Stricter regulations on the materials used in tampon production

These efforts aim to reduce the incidence of TSS and ensure that consumers are well-informed about the potential risks associated with tampon use.

The Broader Context: Menstrual Health and Education

Madalyn’s story highlights the critical need for comprehensive menstrual health education. Many young people enter puberty without a full understanding of proper menstrual hygiene practices or the potential risks associated with certain products.

How can menstrual health education be improved?

Experts suggest several approaches to enhance menstrual health education:

1. Introducing age-appropriate menstrual health education earlier in schools
2. Providing inclusive education that addresses the needs of all genders
3. Incorporating information about rare but serious conditions like TSS into standard health curricula
4. Encouraging open dialogue about menstrual health to reduce stigma and increase awareness
5. Partnering with healthcare providers to offer accurate, up-to-date information

By improving education and awareness, it’s hoped that future tragedies like Madalyn’s can be prevented.

The Role of Product Innovation in TSS Prevention

As awareness of TSS has grown, so too has the focus on developing safer menstrual products. Manufacturers and researchers are exploring new materials and designs that could reduce the risk of TSS associated with tampon use.

What innovations are being developed to make menstrual products safer?

Several promising developments are underway:

• Tampons made from organic, chemical-free materials
• Menstrual cups as an alternative to traditional tampons
• Period underwear designed to absorb menstrual flow without the need for insertable products
• Smart tampons that can detect early signs of infection

While these innovations show promise, it’s important to note that no menstrual product is entirely risk-free. Proper use and hygiene remain crucial in preventing TSS and other menstrual-related health issues.

The Global Perspective: TSS Around the World

While Madalyn’s story unfolded in the United States, Toxic Shock Syndrome is a global health concern. However, its prevalence and the level of awareness about the condition vary significantly across different countries and cultures.

How does the incidence of TSS compare globally?

Accurate global statistics on TSS are challenging to obtain due to differences in reporting and diagnostic criteria across countries. However, some general trends have been observed:

• Developed countries with high tampon use tend to report more cases of menstrual-related TSS
• In countries where tampons are less commonly used, non-menstrual TSS cases may be more prevalent
• Awareness and recognition of TSS symptoms vary widely, potentially leading to underreporting in some regions

These global variations highlight the need for international cooperation in research, education, and prevention strategies related to TSS.

The Psychological Impact of TSS on Survivors and Families

While Madalyn’s story ended tragically, it’s important to recognize that many individuals do survive Toxic Shock Syndrome. However, the experience can have lasting psychological effects on both survivors and their families.

What are the long-term psychological effects of TSS?

Survivors of TSS and their families may experience a range of psychological challenges:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the severe illness experience
• Anxiety about future health issues or recurrence of TSS
• Depression, particularly in cases involving long-term physical complications
• Survivor’s guilt, especially in cases where others have died from TSS
• Grief and bereavement for families who have lost loved ones to TSS

Addressing these psychological impacts is an important part of the overall approach to TSS, highlighting the need for mental health support in addition to medical care.

The Future of TSS Prevention and Treatment

As medical science advances and awareness grows, the future of Toxic Shock Syndrome prevention and treatment looks promising. Researchers and healthcare providers are continuously working to improve outcomes for those affected by this serious condition.

What advancements can we expect in TSS prevention and treatment?

Several areas of research and development show potential for improving TSS outcomes:

1. Development of rapid diagnostic tests to identify TSS in its early stages
2. Research into new antibiotics and treatments specifically targeted at TSS-causing bacteria
3. Improved understanding of the genetic factors that may predispose individuals to TSS
4. Advanced materials science to create safer menstrual products
5. Enhanced surveillance systems to track TSS cases and identify emerging trends

These advancements, combined with ongoing education and awareness efforts, offer hope for reducing the incidence and impact of Toxic Shock Syndrome in the future.

Honoring Madalyn’s Memory: A Call to Action

Madalyn Massabni’s tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of menstrual health awareness and education. Her mother, Dawn, continues to champion this cause, turning her grief into a force for positive change.

How can individuals contribute to TSS awareness and prevention?

There are several ways that people can help honor Madalyn’s memory and support the fight against Toxic Shock Syndrome:

• Share accurate information about TSS and proper tampon use with friends and family
• Support organizations dedicated to menstrual health education and research
• Advocate for comprehensive menstrual health education in schools
• Participate in or organize awareness events in your community
• Stay informed about the latest developments in TSS research and prevention

By working together to raise awareness and promote education, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that Madalyn’s story continues to make a difference in the lives of others.

My 19-year-old daughter died from Toxic Shock Syndrome. Here’s my plea to lawmakers.

1:23

Dawn Massabni

Mom shares plea after 19-year-old dies from toxic shock syndrome

By Nicole Pelletiere

Video by Elissa Nunez

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother.

Dawn Massabni, a mom of two from Rumson, New Jersey, said she was looking forward to celebrating with Maddy, whose smile could light up a room.

At the time, Maddy was studying fashion at Lynn University in Florida and had dreams of working backstage at runway shows.

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn , in an undated photo.

“She dressed how she wanted and didn’t fear judgement. She did a little modeling and she loved it,” Massabni told “Good Morning America.” “She was on the cover of a magazine. And her favorite thing to do was be at the beach — even in the winter, she’d bundle up.

“She had this contagious laugh, so when she walked in, people would say, ‘Oh, Maddy is here.'”

‘I miss hearing, “I love you, Mommy”‘

On March 27, Maddy’s birthday, she and her mother went out to dinner. Massabni said Maddy wasn’t feeling well when the two got home. Maddy got sick, but rested in hopes she’d improve.

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“I said, ‘We’ll go to the doctor first thing in the morning,’ Massabni recalled. “The next morning she could hardly respond to me and she couldn’t speak. I don’t even know if she knew who I was and I called 911 right away.”

Massabni said first responders arrived to her home, but at that point, Maddy had experienced a seizure.

Dawn Massabni

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother, Dawn. Maddy would die days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome.

“I was holding her and she looked at me and closed her eyes … I was yelling, ‘I love you so much. Please don’t leave me,'” Massabni said. “She had a heart attack in my arms and stopped breathing.”

Maddy was brought to the hospital, and doctors tried to revive her. The following day, the teen’s health took a turn for the worst. Her family made the decision to take off ventilators, and she died March 30, three days after her 19th birthday.

Dawn Massabni

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother, Dawn. Maddy would die days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome.

A tearful Massabni said life hasn’t been the same for her and her son, Georgie, since losing Maddy.

“The three of us were very close, extremely close. She would talk to Georgie several times a day. They did everything together,” Massabni said. “He had to say goodbye to his sister. I don’t know how he graduated, but he did. He went on to grad school and when I asked him, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘I want to make Maddy proud.'”

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn and brother Georgie, after she graduated high school

“It’s been torture and hell since the day she left me,” she added. “I miss her so much. I miss hearing, ‘I love you, Mommy.'”

Maddy had her period over the course of her sudden illness and was using tampons. Her official cause of death was Toxic Shock Syndrome, Massabni said.

(MORE: I’m a cautious mom who had a hot car scare. Here’s my plea to parents and lawmakers.)

(MORE: This Congresswoman nicknamed ‘period lady’ is on a mission to give all women access to period products)

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but serious illness caused by some types of staphylococcus bacteria. Not all TSS cases are linked to tampons, but women who use them are at greater risk. Women who are not menstruating, men and children also may contract TSS due to infections associated with skin or surgical wounds, according to the
National Organization for Rare Disorders.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists told “GMA” that leaving a tampon in your vagina for too long is a risk factor linked to TSS. In some cases, TSS can result in the amputations of fingers or toes or limbs, or even death.

Dawn Massabni

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother, Dawn. Maddy would die days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome.

According to the the National Center for Biotechnology Information, cases of menstrual and non-menstrual TSS are estimated to be around 0.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 people in the United States. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

“While the mortality rates have decreased over the past two decades, they still vary from 1.8 [to] 12%,” the NCBI
states on its website. “For those patients who are misdiagnosed or the treatment is delayed, the mortality can exceed 50%. For this reason, healthcare workers should be aware of the disorder and even if they do not manage it, should be able to make a prompt referral. “

The ACOG recommends that women should change tampons every four to eight hours.

Dawn Massabni

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother, Dawn. Maddy would die days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Dr. Jacques Moritz, medical director of Tia Women’s Health Clinic in New York, told “GMA” that it’s also important for women to learn early signs and symptoms of TSS to recognize it as soon as possible.

“The culprit seems to be these super absorbent tampons and it seems to be time-related, meaning the longer it’s in, the more of a chance it happens,” said Moritz, adding that there aren’t enough reliable studies on TSS in association with tampons. “Bacteria causes it. [If] super absorbent ones are going to stay in longer, the longer you can forget that it is in. And if you don’t have leak-throughs, women could forget.”

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn and brother Georgie, in a childhood photo.

Here are potential symptoms of TSS, according to Moritz and to the ACOG:

• Low blood pressure
• Fever
• A rash on the palms, soles or any place on the body that looks like a sunburn
• Body aches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Confusion

‘It’s a horrible death that can be prevented’

Since Maddy’s death, Massabni has made it her mission to educate women and girls on TSS and safe tampon use by speaking at schools and universities.

Her 501C3 foundation,
Don’t Shock Me, was created in honor of Maddy to spread awareness on the infection.

On Nov. 14, Massabni had a meeting with the Food and Drug Administration, to discuss potentially new regulations for tampon manufacturers.

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn and brother Georgie, in an undated photo.

Currently, the
FDA’s code of federal regulations on user labeling for menstrual tampons
states that if TSS risks, warning signs and information on when to seek medical attention is “included in the package insert,” then the following alert should appear legibly on the package label:

“Attention: Tampons are associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome. TSS is a rare but serious disease that may cause death. Read and save the enclosed information.”

Dawn Massabni

It was late March in 2017 when Madalyn Massabni flew home from college to spend her 19th birthday with her mother, Dawn. Maddy would die days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn and brother Georgie, in an undated photo.

Massabni’s asking the FDA to include a bigger, bolder warning on every box, along with signs and symptoms of TSS on the inside flap — not just on the paper insert, which girls probably are tossing in the trash, she said.

“There are [bold] warnings for things like cigarettes, alcohol and drugs — we want tampons to have those same type of warnings,” Massabni said. “It’s a horrible death that can be prevented. Families don’t recover from this. I want her back.”

While there are no specific guidelines, Moritz agrees the following could help prevent TSS while using tampons:

1. Use tampons with lower absorbency
2. When your flow is heavier, change your tampon more often
3. Alternate with menstral pads
4. Never be ashamed to go to your doctor, emergency room or urgent care center if you’re experiencing symptoms, or forgot to remove your tampon, Moritz said.

Dawn Massabni

Madalyn Massabni, 19, is seen with her mother, Dawn , in an undated photo.

Massabni is also fighting to have “Maddy’s Law” passed in her county, which would mandate students in fifth grade, and higher grades, have information sessions on TSS. She’s asking for anyone who’s experienced TSS to reach out on
dontshockme.org or via email at [email protected].

Dawn Massabni

Seen in an undated photo is Madalyn Massabni, 19.

“I know Maddy would be really grateful for lives saved,” Massabni said. “If she had made it through this, she would’ve been doing exactly what I’m doing.”

A Fighting Spirit: Kelsey’s Story

Thanks to expert care, Kelsey survived toxic shock syndrome.

By Erica Gadbois

On a Sunday in late 2018, Kelsey Johnson, then 17, woke up with flu-like symptoms and a fever. She called in sick to work and settled in for a day of recovery at home. On Tuesday, she developed an unusual rash. By Thursday, she was intubated and heavily sedated at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego with a 5 percent chance of survival. Toxic shock syndrome caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was plaguing her body.

Kelsey’s mother, Kari Johnson, says Kelsey’s harrowing experience began looking like any typical cold or flu. But when her daughter woke up a few days after her symptoms began feeling lethargic and sicker than she had, she immediately took her to urgent care near their Temecula home, from which she was promptly sent to the nearby emergency room. Her timing couldn’t have been more spot-on. “She was able to walk into urgent care, but she wasn’t able to walk out on her own,” Kari recounts. “When we got to the emergency room, she wasn’t able to walk at all. This was all within the span of two hours.”

At the emergency room, Kelsey was evaluated and had astonishingly low blood pressure — just 60/23. Unsure of what exactly was causing her slew of concerning symptoms, physicians knew Kelsey needed to be admitted. However, because they didn’t take inpatient pediatric patients, she would have to be transported to Rady Children’s. The Temecula hospital coordinated with the Children’s Hospital Emergency Transport (CHET) team to have Kelsey picked up and rushed to San Diego by ambulance. The uncertainty of her condition and prospect of a hospital stay had Kelsey feeling frantic, but she and Kari both say the CHET team expertly worked to reduce her anxiety. “The helped take her from having a panic attack to feeling calm,” explains Kari. While they note all members of their transport unit were exceptional, Jeffrey Brian Fisch, A.L.S., R.T., C-N.P.T., stands out the most for his especially calming presence. “He was amazing for us in that moment,” Kari notes.

The ambulance arrived around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, and Kelsey was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with two 24-hour care nurses. From this point and for several weeks forward, Kelsey doesn’t remember much, but Kari will never forget. “They told us [Kelsey’s father, Greg, and her two sisters, Kasey and Lindsey] how critical she was, and she kept losing consciousness and couldn’t breathe. I remember being sick to my stomach and them telling us that it didn’t look good.” On Thursday, Kelsey’s care team made the decision that she needed to be intubated — given a tracheal tube to support breathing — and placed under constant sedation to allow Kelsey to tolerate the breathing machine and give her body a chance to rest and recover. Susan Duthie, M.D., a critical care physician in the PICU, was watching over Kelsey’s care.

“Kelsey’s body was under a tremendous amount of stress,” says Dr. Duthie, “so much so that her heart and lungs were functioning at extremely low levels. Our number-one focus was bringing her back to a level at which she could regain strength and put up the best possible fight against what was attacking her.” Dr. Duthie lent additional support through a furry, four-legged friend — her golden retriever, Tank, with whom she volunteers in the Hospital’s Canine Therapy Program, PetSmart Paws for Hope at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. The Johnsons are dog lovers and had a golden retriever of their own, and Kari says Tank provided much-needed comfort to her family.

Simultaneously, John Bradley, M.D., director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Rady Children’s and a professor and chief for the Division of Infectious Diseases within the Department of Pediatrics at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, was working against the clock to determine what was making Kelsey so ill. Test results soon proved his suspicion of toxic shock syndrome accurate, and Kelsey’s care team leapt into action with critical therapies, including intravenous antibiotics. Kari explains that from that juncture, Kelsey had as many as 14 different IVs at once. “We’re so lucky to have ended up at Rady Children’s and with Dr. Bradley,” Kari expresses. “He knew exactly what needed to happen.”

“There are many different causes of shock in teenagers, but toxic shock is a unique bacterial infection that requires the use of antibiotics to stop the production of the deadly toxic shock toxin, treatment to neutralize the toxin, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria and prevent the infection from coming back,” explains Dr. Bradley. “Our team was using all these measures from the beginning, but once we had the culture results to confirm toxic shock syndrome a few days after she was in our intensive care unit, we knew that we were in for long recovery, that we needed to expect damage to many tissues and that she easily could have died before she arrived at Rady Children’s.”

Dr. Bradley states that toxic shock syndrome has become much less common than it was in years past, making Kelsey’s case a bit of an anomaly. In fact, he says Rady Children’s hadn’t seen an incidence in more than a decade. Accordingly, he wanted to catalog the case with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should any potential resurgence occur. Collaborating with Rady Children’s colleagues including Erica Sanford, M.D., a fellow in the PICU, and Michelle Vanderpool, supervisor of Laboratory Services/Pathology, as well as partners at the County of San Diego’s Public Health Services, Dr. Bradley sent a sample to the CDC for analysis. The organization confirmed and filed the toxic shock diagnosis. “I don’t think all of us fully grasped the magnitude of that until recently,” marvels Kari.

Even with a diagnosis, Kelsey’s fight was far from over. She received a blood transfusion to ensure her tissues maintained sufficient oxygen levels. Her heart rate would hit alarming highs and lows, once going up to 270 beats per minute (for perspective, a normal rate for someone Kelsey’s age is between about 60 and 100 beats per minute). And, “it was probably day four or five when her toes started turning black,” says Kari.

“When the heart cannot pump blood with oxygen to tissues, they die,” explains Dr. Bradley. “The toes and fingers are usually the first to go. If the body is trying to generate fever, it [also] takes blood flow away from your extremities that lose heat, which can make blood flow to the fingers and toes even worse.”

“To me, there were two nurses in particular that stand out in that moment, Richard and Sarah. I remember Richard at one point leaving her room and saying, ‘I’ll be right back.’” Richard had gone to the neonatal intensive care unit to get a few of the heaters used to keep tiny babies warm, and he and Sarah wrapped Kelsey’s feet with towels and the heaters to reduce inflammation and damage. “This was a huge moment in the care we were getting. They took the extra steps to take care of her. I was amazed they even thought to do that and took the time,” Kari continues. As a result, Kelsey’s toes were saved from a potential amputation.

During her weeks-long stay, Kelsey notes that either Kari or Greg, or both, were always by her side. Her sisters were also there as much as they could be, and they had a unique and touching way to connect with Kelsey even when she couldn’t respond. Kari says the girls would sit with Kelsey and play music, especially her favorite bands, Maroon 5 and Coldplay. To her amazement, Kelsey’s vital stats would visibly improve in conjunction with her most beloved tunes.

When Kelsey started to turn the corner after what Kari calls “a teeter-totter ride,” her strong bond with her family supported her recovery in another remarkable way. Awake but continuing with intubation, Kelsey couldn’t speak and express herself. But her sister Kasey had a solution. Both girls are proficient in American Sign Language, and Kasey used it to converse with Kelsey and pass along her thoughts to the Johnsons. “Dr. Bradley told us that was the first time someone intubated was able to communicate like that,” remarks Kari. He even ensured Kasey was recognized as Kelsey’s legal interpreter so she could still visit during the Hospital’s flu restriction season.

Soon after, Kelsey moved from the PICU into general inpatient care. Working back to her usual driven self, she quickly took charge of her recovery, earning her a release four weeks ahead of what was anticipated. “That’s because of her determination and fighting heart,” Kari says, giving her daughter’s devotion to physical therapy as an example. “Even after PT, she would lie in bed and do her own.”

Kari comments that Kelsey’s care team was also always in her corner, working right along with her to get her healthy and home. “They were all just amazing,” she emphasizes. “We cannot say ‘thank you’ and appreciate the staff enough. I truly feel they saved her life.” She even provides a few more specific shout-outs to Raveen Raviedran, M.D., one of the critical care physicians in charge of Kelsey’s sedation and medications — “When I explained to him that she’s a go-getter, he was on my side, pushing her, working to get her awake sooner” — and PICU nurse Mary Jo Pleisch, who brought Kelsey her favorite candy, Junior Mints, when she made an offhand mention of them — “It was little things like that that kept her spirits up and motivated her. ”

On New Year’s Eve, able to take just a few steps on her own, Kelsey went home. True to form, she is going to the gym almost every day and continuing her physical therapy, and has regained her ability to walk. At 60 percent function, her heart is still healing, as are her eyes — between the toxic shock syndrome itself and her myriad medications and devices, she experienced some temporary effects on her vision. But she’s strong, she’s bright and she’s laser-focused on her future. As she continues to recover, Kelsey will finish her senior year through home school, but she’s maintaining her top-notch grades and aims to walk in her graduation ceremony with the rest of her class this June. From there, she hopes to attend San Diego State University and major in sociology. “This experience opened my eyes to more jobs that are available [in that field],” she explains. “Maybe I’ll do something within the hospital.” Don’t call it an official job offer, but we’re pretty sure Rady Children’s would be glad to have her back — just as a member of the team this time around.

Published March 2019

Lauren Wasser’s story. The model lost her legs due to the use of

tampons. Today she participates in the Louis Vuitton show and shoots for Pirelli

Updated 02 March 2023, 07:38

Pirelli

Lauren Wasser for the Pirelli calendar

One of the heroines of the Pirelli calendar for 2023 was the 34-year-old American model Lauren Wasser. A few years ago, she lost both legs due to toxic shock. RBC Life tells what happened and how the girl manages to continue her career.

Lauren Wasser was born into a family of models. Her mother, Pamela Cook, was photographed by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue Italia. “It was in my blood, part of my daily life,” she later said, adding that basketball was her real love nonetheless. Wasser dreamed of becoming a professional athlete, joining the Women’s National Basketball Association, and preferred to wear Jordans rather than stilettos. “I was a real tomboy.”

However, this dream was not destined to come true. In 2012, while going to a party, the girl felt unwell, but attributed it to the beginning of the flu season. A few hours later, Vasser already felt as if she had been “hit by a truck.” She came home, lay under the covers and could barely get up to open the door to the police, who came to check on her at the request of her mother, who was frightened by her daughter’s weak voice on the phone. Lauren returned to bed again, and what happened next, she knows only from other people’s words.

Ilya S. Savenok / Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Presented by Amazon Prime Video

Bella Hadid and Lauren Wasser at the Savage X Fenty Show, 2019

“The police came to me again in the morning and this time they found me face down on the floor. I didn’t answer, I had a high fever, I was in my own vomit. They immediately called an ambulance, she said. The doctors and nurses were confused because I was a young, healthy 24 year old girl. Only when the infectious disease specialist was called did everything begin to clear up. She knew I had a swab, so she immediately sent it to the lab. Three days later, the results came in with signs of TSS – toxic shock syndrome. The tampon was infected with staphylococcus aureus.

Wasser was put into a medically induced coma, and when she woke up a week and a half later, she realized that gangrene had developed in her right leg, which progressed rapidly. The leg was amputated. In 2018, the second one was also amputated. In this time period, the girl struggled not only with pain, but also with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and the fact that “life seemed to have stopped.” It wasn’t until a friend took hundreds of pictures of her, calling it phototherapy, that things started to change, Wasser says. The model also stumbled upon a site created by the mother of a girl who died of TSS and realized that she had something to live for – “make sure that other women do not have to go through the same thing, and help those who are affected.”

@theimpossiblemuse / Instagram (part of the Meta corporation, recognized as extremist and banned in Russia)

Lauren Wasser at the Balenciaga Spring-Summer 2022 fashion show

After months in a wheelchair, Wasser is back on her feet. Literally. She ordered gold dentures (“At the time, I was obsessed with A$AP Rocky and his gold teeth. And, damn it, I wanted to turn my dentures into gold. I decided that instead of gold teeth I would have gold legs”), continued her modeling career and became engaged in activism, and these two areas worked for each other. Vasser told her story to Instyle magazine, accompanied by a shoot, after which other publications became interested in the girl. The more attention she received as a model with gold prostheses, the more attention was drawn to the problem of ignorance about toxic shock syndrome and its consequences, but most importantly, the lack of a bill in the United States requiring manufacturers of feminine hygiene products to be honest about the composition of the components used and their possible harm. The US Congress has considered this project ten times since 1997 years at the suggestion of Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, but in 20 years the situation has not changed.

Judging by the way Vasser’s affairs are developing today, the law will eventually be adopted in the same way as the fashion industry itself adopted it. If in 2020-2021 the model was invited to shows exclusively as a guest, then already in 2022 she walked along the catwalk – and not just anywhere, but at the Louis Vuitton show. She also collaborates with the brands Hublot, Lacoste, Shiseido, Furla and Gabriela Hearst, poses for the covers of magazines around the world (the latter, Harper’s Bazaar, named Lauren Wasser “Woman of the Year”), actively leads social networks and uses them as a platform for educational activities, which she conducts all with the same Maloney. Vasser is also filming a documentary about his experience, where he will show footage of his stay in the hospital for the first time.

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Lauren Wasser at the 2022 Louis Vuitton Cruise Show

“I keep forgetting that I don’t have legs. Especially when I walk in trousers, ”she says now. And he adds: “But I remember how much I had to work to get my place. If I hadn’t gone through the darkness, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

By the way, in the Pirelli calendar, Vasser appeared as a warrior in armor, which correlates not only with her appearance, but also with fate.

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Alina Ryburn

You may be interested in ser amputated legs?

Covers of glossy magazines have ceased to broadcast the “unattainable ideal of beauty”, shifting the focus to body positivity and body neutrality. Filming that shows skin texture, stretch marks on the body and even cellulite does not seem unusual to us anymore, but the new cover of the French Elle with the “girl with golden legs”, Lauren Wasser, amazed many. Her story took off in 2012 when the model lost her legs early in her career due to toxic shock syndrome while using tampons. What you need to know about this syndrome and what symptoms should you see a doctor for?

Cover of Elle France

There is no need to panic and give up tampons. According to statistics, toxic shock syndrome develops in about 3 out of 100 thousand women (which is 0. 003%) who use tampons during menstruation. It is also noted in women who do not use tampons and who have an infection after childbirth, abortion or surgery.

Toxic shock syndrome , or TSS , is a rare but very dangerous syndrome. This is an intoxication of the body as a result of an acute bacterial infection caused by staphylococci and streptococci. These bacteria can be in the body in small quantities, without affecting vital functions. But when there are factors that contribute to the reproduction of these bacteria, their number skyrockets, and toxic waste products become deadly. About half of the cases of TSS develop in women during menstruation.

Lauren Wasser (Photo: Social Media)

Early signs of TSS can appear up to 48 hours after a tampon is inserted or removed, and late signs can take up to 20 days. Most often, it develops if a woman uses a highly absorbent tampon and does not replace it with a new one on time (after 6-8 hours). Typical signs of the syndrome include:

– fever up to ^{39 degrees;}

– drop in blood pressure;

– rashes on the body;

– increased soreness of the skin;

– aches and pains in muscles and joints;

– weakness;

– drowsiness;

– nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms rarely appear together, so always monitor your well-being and, if you notice a deterioration, call a doctor.

Lauren Wasser (Photo: social media)

Why did Lauren Wasser have her legs amputated? As a result of the infection, the girl developed gangrene of the lower extremities. The only possible salvation was the amputation of the right leg and the removal of the toes and heel on the left leg. However, six years later, she had to amputate her other leg as well – the gangrene had spread too far.

“I spent several months in the hospital and almost a year in a wheelchair. It was easy to give up, but I was determined to keep going.”

After surviving all the hardships, she continued her modeling career and actively urged tampon manufacturers to stop using dioxin, synthetic fibers, chemical fragrances and other harmful ingredients.