Fifteen-year-old Lulu Gribbin from Alabama is on a remarkable journey of recovery and advocacy after surviving a shark attack during a mother-daughter trip to Florida. In June 2024, an unforeseen tragedy would come to mar even the most idyllic day at the beach. It’s why it improved the quality of her life in ways that were unthinkable. By sharing her story, Lulu hopes that other people in similar situations will be encouraged to follow in her footsteps. She’s working to keep beachgoers safe with her introduced legislation, “Lulu’s Law.”
On the day of the attack, Lulu was enjoying time at the beach with her twin sister, Ellie, and their mother, Ann Blair Gribbin. A fun day trip quickly turned into a terrifying nightmare after Lulu came face-to-face with a shark. Immediately following her attack, she was airlifted to a hospital in Pensacola. Her family had to hurry to get to her, making an awful drive with the worry over their daughter’s life ahead of them.
Life-Changing Incident
Lulu had life-threatening injuries, and she would eventually lose her left hand. After several surgeries, doctors were forced to amputate her right leg between the knee and hip. Despite these challenges, Lulu’s determination remained strong.
“Before my attack, there was another shark attack 90 minutes before me just a few miles down the coast,” – Lulu Gribbin
This tragic matching of events underscores the growing imperative to improve beach safety for everyone. That tragic loss is what inspires her passionate advocacy for “Lulu’s Law.” This proposed federal alert system would notify beachgoers in real-time if a shark attack occurs nearby, providing crucial information to help ensure safety.
Lulu spent over two months documenting her experience with OrthoCarolina’s Limb Loss Recovery Center in Charlotte. While she was there, she received a number of procedures, including targeted muscle re-innervation. This new technique is a powerful way to exert fine control over prosthetics in the future. It combats pain, addressing one of the leading concerns for the majority of amputees—phantom limb pain.
Overcoming Challenges
Lulu’s experience with phantom limb pain is not unusual. As many as 80% of amputees experience this pain. To counteract these stimuli, she enrolled in investigational virtual reality therapy designed to reduce chronic pain like hers.
As she goes through this challenging time, it’s her faith and family that give Lulu hope and encouragement. Her sister, Ellie, who has been by her side every step of recovery.
“I was just like, ‘You got this.’ ‘You can do it,’” – Ellie Gribbin
Ellie’s words inspired Lulu to be a rock star as she faced the challenges of her new normal. Whether learning to play golf with one leg or playing with her prosthetic, that’s all part of her rehabilitation now.
“So there’s a golf attachment. This hand comes off, and then I attach a golf attachment,” – Lulu Gribbin
These kinds of adaptations speak to her imagination and fortitude, and indent that desire to live life fully even with the challenges her disability brings.
A Voice for Change
Lulu’s story grabbed the nation’s attention once she and her family decided to go on air through an interview with “Good Morning America.” Throughout the interview, Lulu related her powerful story of healing and optimism. Her advocacy goes far beyond her personal recovery. She wants to raise awareness about shark safety at beaches.
“And just knowing that God decided to save me, and so just showing him that he performed a miracle on the right person,” – Lulu Gribbin
Faith is still central to Collins’s ongoing healing journey. It’s her hope that by telling her story, she can help encourage other people who are going through difficulties in their lives.
“I think knowing that I have a large support system behind me, and just continuing to get better, not only for myself but for them, and just show them that anything is possible,” – Lulu Gribbin
Lulu’s journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of human resilience and community support to help overcome incredible odds. Today, she’s in active recovery and living as an advocate for change. Her story reflects the millions currently struggling through their own pandemic-related pitfalls.
