By Neha Dwivedi, Staff Writer
YellaWood has selected Ann Blair Gribbin, the winner of its Five-Star Hero Contest, with her daughter, Lulu, an Honorary Hero, to wave the green flag as co-Grand Marshals for the YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway.
The program honors heroes whose spirit, humanitarianism, and strength inspire those around them. And the mother-daughter duo is recognized for the qualities they embody through their work with the LuLu Strong Foundation, an initiative taken from tragedy and converted into hope after surviving a brutal shark attack.
Coming from Birmingham, Alabama, the Gribbin family is adjusting to life with Lulu’s new prosthetic arm and leg, viewing the attack not as a lapse but merely a small blip on her road forward.
Talladega Superspeedway is Honoring Courage and Strength
In June 2024, 16-year-old Lulu was attacked by a bull shark off the Florida Gulf Coast, losing her left hand and part of her right leg. After multiple life-saving surgeries, her first words were, “I MADE IT.” She was transferred to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she underwent advanced rehabilitation and cutting-edge VR therapy, walking out of the hospital after 77 days, a milestone that often takes amputees a year or more to reach.
Their story will be highlighted at the YellaWood 500, where the duo will share their journey during the race-day press conference at Talladega Superspeedway.
Gribbin addressed, “I’m incredibly honored to be named a Five-Star Hero. I don’t really see myself as a hero, we’re just living our lives and trying to make a difference, so I’m grateful for the recognition. Lulu’s experience opened our eyes to how much more can be done, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to raise awareness and improve access for others facing limb loss.”
“This recognition means so much to me and our family, especially knowing it helps support the Lulu Strong Foundation. We’ve been surrounded by an amazing community from the very beginning, and we now want to ensure others have access to the same care, technology, and community that helped Lulu thrive,” she continued.
Gribbin was chosen as this year’s Five-Star Hero for her courage, leadership, and advocacy following Lulu’s ordeal. She founded the Lulu Strong Foundation to advance prosthetic technology and improve the lives of those living with limb loss. Her work even helped inspire “Lulu’s Law,” passed with the support of Alabama Senator Katie Britt, allowing mobile alerts to warn beachgoers when shark activity poses a threat.
And as this year’s Five-Star Hero, Gribbin will enjoy a VIP experience at Talladega, including suite tickets, hot laps, garage tours, and the privilege of waving the green flag as the race’s honorary starter. Meanwhile, Lulu will serve as Grand Marshal, signifying strength, hope, and the imperishable spirit that drives both racing and life itself.