Model Lauren Wasser on Second Leg Amputation: 'It's a Hard Decision, But My Only Way to Freedom'

Lauren Wasser is again opening up about the toll toxic shock syndrome has taken on her life. The model, 29, lost her right leg after contracting the rare but life-threatening condition -- which is caused by bacterial toxins -- from a tampon in 2012. She has since become an activist for more safety research. "When I see ads for tampons, it's always a woman running on the beach or swimming in the ocean," Wasser told PEOPLE. "There's no warning whatsoever that a.) a tampon could a kill you, or b.) ...