Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, has left an indelible mark on the music world, despite passing away over 30 years ago. His extraordinary voice continues to resonate, reminding us of the brilliance of his life, which he lived to the fullest despite facing significant challenges.
As he lay dying in his cherished home, his thoughts were focused on one person: Mary Austin. She was not only the love of his life but also the only person who knew where his ashes were to be scattered after his death.
Many artists have briefly captured the spotlight, but few reach the iconic status of Mercury, whose influence endures. Alongside the band Queen, he created timeless hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions”. To this day, Queen’s “Greatest Hits” remains the best-selling album in the UK.
Freddie’s journey to stardom was fraught with hardships. Born on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar, his family fled to England when he was young, seeking a better life. It was here that he adopted the name Freddie, and his passion for music began to flourish, despite his parents’ initial disapproval.
Freddie’s talent shone brightly, particularly as he collaborated with future bandmates, ultimately establishing Queen. Their success was meteoric, with Mercury’s voice only becoming stronger over time. Hits like “We Will Rock You” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” showcased his extraordinary talent.
In his personal life, Mercury’s bond with Mary Austin was profound. Though they were engaged and later separated, their friendship endured, and she remained by his side through his struggles with AIDS, which he was diagnosed with in 1987. As he bravely fought the disease, Mercury chose to reveal his illness to the world shortly before his death in 1991, expressing the desire to do so on his own terms.
In his final days, Mercury entrusted Austin with the knowledge of where his ashes would be scattered, as he sought privacy in death. He left behind a significant portion of his estate to her, highlighting their enduring connection. After his passing, it was confirmed that Mary carried out his wishes, scattering his ashes in a secret location, as he had requested.
Freddie Mercury’s legacy continues to shine brightly, and his wish for eternal rest in solitude has been honored by the one person who knew him best. We remember him fondly, knowing that his spirit lives on in the music that inspires generations.
“I Lost Both Of My Legs Because Of A Tampon”, Lauren Wasser Defied the Odds and Became a Prominent Model
Lauren Wasser is a model and activist who has overcome incredible odds to become a prominent figure in the fashion industry. In 2012, Wasser lost both legs due to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by a tampon. Despite this devastating setback, Wasser refused to let it define her. She has since become a vocal advocate for women’s health and safety, using her platform to raise awareness about the dangers of TSS and the need for better menstrual product regulation.
Lauren Wasser grew up in a family of models.
Lauren Wasser was born into the fashion industry in California on March 2, 1988. Her parents were both professional models, and she first appeared in Vogue alongside her mom when she was just 4 months old. Unsurprisingly, the young girl would be drawn to this career path.
She lived a full and active life until she became ill.
Lauren Wasser was a talented basketball player who even received a prestigious athletic scholarship. However, she decided to pursue her modeling career instead. Even so, she maintained an active lifestyle for several years.
Her world was turned upside down at the young age of 24.
AtThe Diary of a CEOpodcast, Lauren Wasser, age 35, shockingly revealed her harrowing experience by saying, “I lost both of my legs because of a tampon.”
The syndrome results from an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, which can produce a deadly toxin in the bloodstream. TSS first caught public attention in the United States in the late 1970s when several young women became gravely ill. By the 1980s, the syndrome was infecting people at a rate of approximately 6 in 100,000.
It all started with flu-like symptoms, followed by renal failure and, ultimately, two heart attacks, all due to the rare and life-threatening syndrome. With a slim chance of surviving, doctors had to put Wasser into a medically-induced coma to save her life.
After regaining consciousness a week and a half later, Lauren Wasser shared in a poignant interview, “I woke up a week and a half later and had no idea what had even happened. They pumped me full of 80 pounds of fluid.” Tragically, her situation worsened as gangrene spread, causing her right leg and left foot to be engulfed in searing pain. “From there, my feet were on fire, and gangrene set into my right leg and my left foot. There was no option. I had to amputate my right leg.” Then, in 2018, she faced another heartbreaking setback as her left leg had to be amputated.
Lauren Wasser advocates for TSS awareness and safer menstrual products.
As she spoke out about the dangers of TSS, Lauren Wasser emphasized the harmful constituents of tampons, stating, “[They] are made using chlorine bleach, dioxin, and synthetic fibers, which create the perfect storm in our bodies.”
“I have been working with a mother who lost her teenage daughter to TSS when she was 18 — Madeline Mosby. Through the darkness and trauma of that, we have joined forces in wanting to change the world.”
She returned to modeling and became the “girl with the golden legs.”
“My whole job has been to show that you are enough, and you’re beautiful in the skin you’re in and highlighting your scars and the things that you hate most.” With this resolution in mind, Lauren Wasser decided to return to the modeling industry and started looking for gigs again. While many of her colleagues supported her decision to return to modeling, some doubted whether she could make a successful comeback.
Wasser decided to choose gold-toned prosthetics instead of prosthetics that matched her skin color after entirely accepting her new condition. “Making it my own and giving it life, so to speak, changed my perception,” she said, explaining her choice in an interview. Thus, she became the “girl with the golden legs” and started walking for famous designers again.
Currently, she’s still taking the fashion world by storm and fighting for more inclusivity.
Following the amputation of her left leg due to chronic pain, the model is now able to lead a more active lifestyle. She has resumed playing basketball, which is her passion and is even preparing for a marathon shortly. Additionally, Wasser’s modeling career is flourishing as she walked for Gabriela Hearst and Louis Vuitton in 2022 and was featured in Lacoste, Furla, and Shiseido campaigns.
In addition to her thriving modeling career, Wasser remains dedicated to advocating for inclusivity and acceptance of individuals with disabilities and diverse conditions within the fashion industry. Her activism and contributions to the fashion world have earned her a spot on Harper’s Bazaar’s special-edition Women of the Year 2022 covers, alongside other inspiring women.” I’ve worked so hard to be myself and never take ‘no’ for an answer,” is how Lauren Wasser sums up her success.
Lauren Wasser’s incredible journey from tragedy to triumph is just the beginning of a new era in modeling. Stay tuned to learn about 16 more unusual models who are revolutionizing the beauty industry.
Preview photo credit theimpossiblemuse / Instagram, theimpossiblemuse / Instagram
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