A Mountain Brook teenager who lost her left hand and right leg after a June 2024 shark attack is launching the Lulu Strong Foundation to support other amputees.
Lulu Gribbin appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday morning to talk about her experience and her cause. She told what she remembered from that day and how her loved ones supported her through the prolonged ordeal.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) posted on X, saying, "Loved watching you share your story this morning, Lulu! Thank you for using your experience to change the lives of others. Incredibly proud to lead Lulu's Law in Congress. We will get this to President Trump's desk and signed into law to protect future beachgoers and families."
Gribbin was attacked on a Florida beach, where there were two other attacks in the area on the same day. Lulu's Law would enable the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to notify beachgoers when a shark attack occurs.
"Before my attack, there was another shark attack 90 minutes before me just a few miles down the coast," Gribbin said. "So, if I would've known about this, I would not have been in the water."
Britt and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) introduced companion bills to champion Lulu's Law.
Alabama passed a similar law allowing local authorities to send a digital alert after a shark attack.
The laws have received criticism from those concerned about liability if authorities fail to send an alert.
However, Gribbin told "Good Morning America" that she will continue to advocate for others.
"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," she said. "And just knowing that God decided to save me, and so just showing him that he performed a miracle on the right person."
The Lulu Strong Foundation will support amputees and expand access to treatments. Gribbin also said he hopes to be in the Paralympics for track.
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