Dear Friends and JoinQueena Followers,
On the night of April 24, 2008, when Queena went to the Bloomingdale Library to return books, she was raped, beaten and left to die. She was 18, about to graduate high school and getting ready to attend the University of Florida on a full scholarship. The attack left Queena unable to walk, talk, see or eat on her own. “Although she lost many functions and is wheelchair bound, she is still optimistic and delights in making people laugh and smile. Her body might be still but her mind is very much alive. She remembers. She comprehends. She understands. She feels. She reacts.” Her website, joinqueena.com, states.
She currently lives at home in southeast Tampa with her mother, who cares for her full time. Her therapies include speech, physical and occupational, aquatic, yoga, neuro-stimulating treatments, acupuncture, massage and music.
Medicaid covers $1,500 per year for speech and physical therapy. But it costs the family about $70,000 a year for all of Queena’s therapies and medical supplies. Queena has different therapy sessions each week in St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Valrico and Sun City Center. Her mother drives her, and the cost for gas adds up.
The family relies on donations to a fund for Queena to cover her medical expenses. She undergoes intense therapies and medical treatments, but never gives up. Queena is a true fighter and hopeful that she can regain what she lost a little bit day by day.
Please join me in a fundraising event for Queena at Grillsmith in South Tampa (1108 South Dale Mabry Hwy) on June 29th from 2-5pm. Your $20 donation will include admission to a fun night for a great cause. Enjoy a cash bar with happy hour prices, hors d’oeuvres will be provided. $1 raffle tickets will also be for sale for gift baskets that will further enrich the cause.
This is an open invitation; please pass this along to others. Everyone is welcome!
I hope to see you on June 29th to support Queena! God bless you!!
Graciously,
Diana A.
