Onlookers lined up Saturday afternoon in Mountain Brook for a parade honoring teenager Lulu Gribbin, who recently returned home more than two months after suffering serious injuries in a shark attack.
While it consisted of just a few vehicles escorted by police, the parade gave many purple-clad supporters a first chance to cheer Gribbin in person after following her recovery for weeks. It also was an opportunity for Gribbin to acknowledge the support of the community in person.
The city of Mountain Brook organized the parade. Earlier this month, Mayor Stewart Welch and the city council issued a resolution recognizing Lulu’s “amazing spirit and the incredible love that our community has shown her,” according to a Facebook post; in tribute to Gribbin, the city also lit its water fountain in purple.
Gribbin, 15, was swimming with friends off a beach in Walton County, Florida, on June 7 when the attack occurred. McCray Faust, a 16-year-old also from Mountain Brook, suffered bites to a lower leg and foot; Gribbin lost her left hand and her right leg above the knee. A separate attack a few miles away seriously injured a woman from Virginia.
The attack and Gribbin’s upbeat response to her near-fatal injuries have drawn widespread attention and support. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, has proposed legislation that would authorize government officials to send out warnings about shark attacks via mobile phone alert systems.
In another show of support, Royal Cup Coffee recently launched sales of a “Lulu’s Blend” coffee as “a beacon of hope and support” for Gribbin.
“Lulu Gribbin’s story is one of incredible resilience and courage,” the company said in announcing the product. “Following a tragic shark attack, Lulu has shown an inspiring spirit and determination in her recovery. In honor of her strength and to assist in her ongoing journey, we have created Lulu’s Blend. This unique coffee blend is more than just a beverage; it’s a symbol of community support and hope. Lulu’s recovery has been arduous, but she has not faced it alone. To help support the Gribbin family during Lulu’s recovery journey, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea crafted Lulu’s Blend medium roast coffee. 100% of the profits go to support the Gribbin family.”
“We are deeply moved by Lulu Gribbin’s strength and resilience,” said Chip Wann, CEO of Royal Cup Coffee and Tea. “With Lulu’s Blend, we aim to harness the power of our community to aid Lulu Gribbin in her recovery. This blend is a tribute to her inspiring journey and an opportunity for our community to contribute to her recovery.”
Lulu’s Blend is available via the Royal Cup website for $14.03 for a 12-oz bag.
For updates on Gribbin’s recovery, visit https://www.instagram.com/lulug.strong/.
