Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Mountain Brook displays purple bows to show support for Lulu Gribbin, teen injured in Florida shark attack
Reading time: 3 minutes
Now, Mountain Brook businesses and others beyond the community are displaying purple bows for Lulu Gribbin, one of the teens who is still recovering from the attack.
Keep reading for more updates + how you can help.
How the survivors are faring
Both Gribbin and McCray Faust, with the help of heroic citizens, were pulled to the shore and aided by medical professionals the day of the attack. Faust suffered minor injuries to her foot while Gribbin lost her left hand and right leg.
McCray was discharged from hospital shortly after her injuries were treated while Gribbin underwent surgery to amputate her leg above the knee.
According to WVTM 13, Gribbin continues to be treated by various doctors with different specialties, from physical therapy to psychology.
Elisabeth Foley, a 45-year-old woman and Virginia native, was also injured by a shark attack near the Fort Walton area and sustained serious injuries. She is currently recovering.
Purple bows for Lulu
Multiple businesses in the Mountain Brook community and beyond have rallied together to support Gribbin and her family.
Andy’s Creekside Nursery in Vestavia Hills announced in an Instagram post on June 10 that they would be making purple mailbox bows to show support for 15-year-old Gribbin.
“Lulu’s favorite color is purple, so to show our support, we will be making purple mailbox bows. The bows will be free, any donations made will go directly to the family to help with medical costs.”
From an Instagram post by Andy’s Creekside Nursery
If you would like to show your support by displaying a bow, please call Andy’s Creekside Nursery at 205.824.0233.
Norton’s Florist is also rallying to support the teen and her family by selling bows for $10. If you would like to show your support, you can order one for pickup here. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Gribbin family.
According to Village Living, Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook already had 1,050 bow orders only a week after the attack.
Mountain Brook + others show their support
Although Gribbin and her family have a tough journey ahead of them, their Mountain Brook home continues to show support. The purple bows have adorned the residential streets and storefronts.
The Greek community at UA has shown their love and support by proudly displaying banners with the hashtag #LuluGstrong.
Additionally, even celebrities have offered words of encouragement to the teen and her family. Indiana Fever rookie, Caitlin Clark, gave a strong message to Gribbin that had WNBA fans in tears. You can read about it here.
Other ways you can help
Here are additional ways you can support the survivors and their families:
- Read Lulu + McCray’s story
- Buy a bracelet for Lulu
- Buy a shirt, sticker or hat for Lulu
- Elisabeth Foley GiveSendGo
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of the shark attacks.
For more updates, follow Bham Now on Facebook, Instagram, + TikTok.
