In April 2008, a young woman, formerly known as the Bloomingdale Library Attack Survivor, was brutally raped, beaten and left to die outside of the Bloomingdale Regional Library. Over the last 10 years, the community has followed Queena’s story. Initially identified as a victim following the brutal attack at the Bloomingdale Library, Queena has turned into a beacon of hope to her supporters and followers and she is now referred to as a survivor.
A decade later, she still works tirelessly in daily therapy sessions to regain the life she once knew.
On Sunday, April 29, Queena will take a break from therapy to celebrate with the community, the JoinQueena team is looking for sponsors or donations for the event including food and beverages, live entertainment, bar service, silent auction items and volunteers.
“This is an extra special event because it honors a huge accomplishment not just for Queena, but for everyone who has found their place in her story over the last 10 years,” said her sister Anna Donato.
Sponsorship and donation inquiries should be directed to Donato at avdonato1@gmail.com or at www.joinqueena.com/contact/. To donate funds towards the cost of the fundraiser, make checks payable to Hope Heals The Brain Inc (subject line: The Story Lives On) or at www.joinqueena.com/donate/.
The Ten Year Celebration of Life Fundraiser & Memoir Reveal will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club.
“There is much to be celebrated: 10 years of ongoing therapies, battling for justice in the courtroom, fighting for medical benefits, raising funds, volunteering,” noted Donato.
Money raised at this celebration event will be donated to 501c3 non-profit organization Hope Heals The Brain Inc. and Queena’s Medical Trust Fund.
Queena’s mother has been working on a very special project: HOPE – The Anchor for my Soul; A Mother’s Memoir of Faith, Love and Forgiveness. The memoir is centered on Queena’s attack and the events which followed, but will take readers through her mother’s view of childhood in Vietnam and her journey to the United States.
Queena’s attacker, Kendrick Morris, was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2010. In March 2017, he was re-sentenced to life in prison. Follow Queena’s progress at JoinQueena.com.
