Alabama teen who lost hand and foot to shark attack returns to school after inspiring recovery
The Alabama teen who tragically lost her left hand and right leg in a shark attack in June is celebrating the start of the school year after months of recovery.
Lulu Gribbin, 15, was one of the victims of a horrific bull shark attack in Florida that changed her life forever.
After 77 days in the hospital to recover, Lulu was finally able to return home to her family. On Friday, Lulu joined her classmates for a new school year.
Lulu’s mother, Ann Blair Gribbin, shared her daughter’s journey on CaringBridge, where she excitedly announced a major milestone in her daughter’s journey.
She wrote: ‘Today is a big step in this journey. Today Lulu went to school for the first time.
Lulu and Ellie Gribbin, both 15, posed for Lulu’s first day of school after she recovered from a shark attack that left her without her left hand and right leg
Lulu posed with her sister and friend outside her high school
“Our school system in Mountain Brook has been so wonderful and so accommodating in how we make sure Lulu stays up to date with school. We’ve had a wonderful homebound teacher who comes in a couple times a week to talk to Lulu and see if she has any questions or concerns.”
Lulu and her mother have scheduled her hardest lessons in the morning and she will take some lessons online until her endurance increases.
In the heartwarming update on her life, Ann also praised Lulu’s twin sister Ellie for her unwavering support during the difficult times.
Ann said that when she went to wake Lulu up for the big day, she was already getting ready with Ellie, who was helping her get dressed and do her hair.
Lulu wrote in her notebook and immediately got back into the rhythm after going back to school on Friday
Lulu was greeted with a purple parade by friends and family when she returned home from her 77-day hospital stay
This long-awaited moment of relief comes after months of pain and suffering.
Seven weeks after the shark attack, Ann reflected on the moment on CaringBridge, calling it something she “never could have imagined even in my wildest dreams.”
But Lulu remained determined and persistent throughout the difficult recovery process.
Her mother wrote in July: ‘Lulu’s physical strength and determination will carry her through rehabilitation and she will be able to walk again, and she will be able to use her hand. Her hand and leg will not define her.
Lulu waved to parade participants from the back of a golden float as she arrived home
Lulu smiled as she received physical therapy in the hospital
“What defines Lulu is her attitude, her compassion, her determination and her grace. I couldn’t be more proud of who she is!”
Lulu returned home on August 25 from her hospital stay at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola and Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She was greeted by a procession of loved ones as she showed off her prosthetics.
Lulu’s recovery was difficult, but her mother documented how she maintained a positive attitude throughout
Everyone in attendance was dressed in her favorite color, purple, and she sat on the back of a golf cart as she waved happily to everyone.
In her most recent post about Lulu returning to school, Ann also gave an update on McCray Faust, 17, who was also attacked by the shark in June. She suffered serious injuries to her foot.
Within eight weeks, McCray was able to walk again and while she may not have fully regained feeling in her foot, “she goes about her day with a sweet smile on her face.”