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Happy Birthday
Queena!
Survivor Inspires Others Through Her Incredible Journey Article by Johanna Santana
I
t is still difficult for Queena and her family to remember the incident that left her with a brain injury, which hinders her ability to walk, talk and eat on her own. But on April 20, spirits were high and Queena’s smile was radiant as friends and family joined together at Keel and Curley Winery to celebrate her 23rd birthday and five-year anniversary of her incredible survival story. “Every time the anniversary rolls around it’s emotional because we have to kind of relive what happened, but at the same time it’s an inspirational story,” said Queena’s sister Anna Vuong, 26. “It reminds us that life is precious. And that she survived and she encourages everybody who has hardships in their lives to keep pushing forward.” It was five years ago that Queena, a then senior in high school, was brutally raped, beaten, and left for dead in front of the Bloomingdale Library in Valrico. She has spent the last few years recovering through therapy. Although her recovery up to now had been slow, this
year Queena seems to be making tremendous progress. During the celebration, the website JoinQueena.com was launched where, for first time, the public can see Queena’s story, photos, and read about her progress. It is also a way for people to donate online straight to Queena’s funds as the family struggles to pay for the medical expenses and breakthrough therapies.
A prayer vigil was led by Chaplain Daniel Middlebrooks in honor of Queena where he asked friends and family to place a hand on the birthday girl to offer their support. Photo by Johanna Santana
Queena has not lost any cognitive functions, according to Vuong, and is still fully aware of her surroundings. “She’s tracking objects with her eyes now better and is eating pureed foods by mouth, standing for long periods of time with little assistance and has tremendous head control now so she doesn’t rely on her headrest anymore,” said Vuong. “Her tone is getting better, she’s starting to make sounds with her mouth now and forming syllables.”
Queena surprised everyone in attendance by standing with support of athletic trainer Christopher Tolisano for a dance. Photo by Johanna Santana
Vuong adds that even though it’s non verbal, Queena also reacts and communicates well through facial expressions and arm movements. To celebrate, over 100 attendees gathered around for food, music and fun while Queena’s friends sat by her to share laughs, stories and their favorite memories. Some friends remembered their high school days together and others their trip to Europe with Queena. A prayer vigil led by Plant City’s Chaplain Daniel Middlebrooks was held in her honor. The day’s highlight was when Queena surprised everyone by standing with some assistance from her physical therapist and swayed to a song, which was sung by Queena’s friend, Phulng Duong. Friends Rachel Hall, Ashley Greene, and Adrienne Harrow celebrated with Queena her 23rd birthday and five-year anniversary of surviving an attack. Photo by Johanna Santana
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june 2013 thefocusmagazine.com
Mark Danker, who now attends Queena’s fundraisers with wife Daysi, said he was inspired by Queena’s fortitude and will to live,
which reminded him that no matter what he goes through in life, it does not compare to what this young girl has had to endure. “Her grace is amazing,” said Danker. “It is an honor to be in her presence.” Indeed, Vuong said that the help and encouragement the family has received from the community has been incredible and helps lift their spirits every day. Queena’s family is hopeful about the future, although remain cautious to not put too much pressure on themselves or on Queena, “We kind of play it day by day and hope for the best, but it’s starting to look really good and the therapist prognosis are starting to be more hopeful,” said Vuong. “We are getting really excited of what is to come.” For more information, visit joinqueena.com.