MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. (WIAT) -- Purple bows and signs are scattered across Mountain Brook in honor of Lulu Gribbin, the teen who survived a shark attack in June.
Gribbin’s recovery journey has been documented on a Instagram account called lulug.strong, which has amassed 191,000 followers.
“She has such a beautiful smile, but more than that, she has this incredible spirit,” said Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch. “I love following her on Instagram because she actually uplifts me. I read it and I watch it, and I go, ‘Wow, I feel better.’”
Welch says that, following the attack, the city of Mountain Brook has rallied around Gribbin’s family in support.
“The family’s doing great. They’re all uplifted, they’re all very positive. She’s an incredibly courageous person,” Welch said.
Welch also explained that, as the community continues to support Gribbin, Gribbin has uplifted the community.
“There are literally thousands of purple bows all over the city,” Welch said. “I rode down my neighborhood the other day, and there was literally a bow on every mailbox. You see them on all the businesses. We love Lulu, and we are continuing to pray for her. She has a long road ahead. We continue to pray for her, and she uplifts us.”