FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anna Vuong – sister, (813) 956-3822, avvuong@gmail.com
Vanna Nguyen – mom, (813) 751-5745, vannablue9@yahoo.com
New Website Tells Bloomingdale Library Survivor’s Story
JoinQueena.com features photos, treatment progress and donation page
(BRANDON, FL – 04/15/13) For five years, she has been known as the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, but today, she has a name. Her name is Queena, and she is a survivor. Queenahas made the brave decision to share her personal journey. She wants the world to know her side of the story and follow her remarkable progress as she continues her recovery.
JoinQueena.comis a new website that documents Queena’s journey to regaining her life through therapy, faith and love.
The website includes never before seen family photos, doctors’ and therapists’ notes, and insights from Queena’sfamily and friends on her recovery. JoinQueena.com also features a donation page that enables online donations to her trust fund. Many of Queena’streatments are not covered by Medicaid, but funded through the generosity of the Tampa Bay community.
“It’s important to Queena that her story is shared,” explained Queena’smother and full-time caregiver. “Queenabelieves that she has a purpose and a reason for being alive and with us today, and we hope that others will be inspired and find hope in her progress and continued recovery.”
April marks the five-year anniversary of the life-changing event for the Bloomingdale Library Survivor; the five-year anniversary of her inspiring survival that brought the community together.
While much has changed since that terrible night in 2008, Queena’swarmth, determination and ability to connect with others has remained strong, as she works tirelessly with the assistance of her family to regain a sense of normalcy in her life.
JoinQueena.com will be live for public viewing on Saturday, April 20. Members of the media are invited and encouraged to preview the website beginning Monday, April 15. The website was created through the generous efforts of FullMediaof Gainesville, Georgia.
In addition, on Saturday, April 20, family and friends will gather for Queena’s23rd birthday celebration. The event is open to the public, and will be held from 1:00-5:00 pm at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 West Thonotosassa Road, Plant City 33565. The prayer vigil begins at 2:00 followed by a special surprise from Queena at 2:30 that you won’t want to miss!
Donations to the Bloomingdale Library Survivor can be made payable to the Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim Trust at any Bank of Tampa or SunTrust Bank.
About Queena, the Bloomingdale Library Attack Survivor:
In April 2008, the young woman, formerly known at the Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim, was brutally raped, beaten and left to die outside of the Bloomingdale Library in Brandon, Florida. Equipped with an incredible will to survive, she did not die that night, and has spent the last five years working hard to recover from the brutal attack. Queenawas about to graduate from high school and continue her education on a full scholarship to the University of Florida, but on that night, her life changed in an instant. Queenacannot walk, talk, see or eat on her own, but she is making improvements. She communicates through widening her eyes, smiling and clenching her fists. She requires around-the-clock care and attends daily physical, occupational and experimental therapies to aid her recovery. The recovery process is slow, but very noticeable, as she slowly makes strides toward regaining her own normalcy every day.
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