Rachel Hall, left, Queena Phu and Anna Vuong, her sister, were by Queena’s side as the winners of the raffle were announced. Kevin Brady photo
They ran, walked, ambled and sauntered, but the race wasn’t really the thing at the 5K4Q (5K for Queena) Run at E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin.
More than 200 people from throughout the bay area were there to support Queena Phu, the young lady who has inspired them with her courage and strength to recover and forgive after she was brutally beaten outside the Bloomingdale Regional Library in April 2008, suffering a traumatic brain injury.
“I haven’t missed a fundraiser for her,” said Diana Ailes, who travels from South Tampa for each event. “I have two girls of my own, and this could happen to any of us.”
Organized by student volunteers from East Bay High School’s Student Government Association — Queena was a member of student government at East Bay — the third annual 5K4Q Run kicked off at 8 a.m., with a family fun run at 9:15 a.m. With runners paying to compete, a raffle and gifts donated by local businesses, the event raised more than $4,700 for the continued care of the East Bay alumna.
“I have seen Queena the last three years continue to grow and get better, and I think that just moves everyone,” said Meagan Kopstad, East Bay’s student government president and one of the event coordinators.
Queena, who was accompanied by family members at the May 17 event, greeted race participants as they crossed the finish line.
“This is the third 5K run the student government has organized for us, and it really makes us feel like they are with us and will not forget about us,” said Anna Vuong, Queena’s sister. “These students have been so dedicated to the cause since the incident happened. Just the moral and financial support keeps us going every day.”
Supporters have also seen steady improvements in Queena’s condition.
“She is able to see much better now, and has glasses,” Anna said. “She’s also been able to stand for extended periods with assistance. We are hopeful she will be able to start taking a few steps soon.”
An honor student, Queena had volunteered at hospices and was deeply involved in the Best Buddies program at East Bay, forming one-on-one friendships with students with disabilities. She also played volleyball and soccer.
Although she was not able to attend her graduation ceremony because of her injury, she was among the top students of the graduating class of 2008. Queena was accepted into the University of Florida on an academic scholarship.
Wheelchair-bound, Queena now lives at home, where her mom Vanna cares for her full time.
“She is improving every day, and even small progress is a miracle,” said Vanna. “I see it every day.”
For more information on Queena, visit www.JoinQueena.com. The site documents her journey to regaining her life through therapy and includes updates on her most recent treatments, therapies and accomplishments.
April marked six years since the former student government member was brutally attacked outside of the Bloomingdale Library. The “Bloomingdale Library Survivor,” as she has come to be known, continues to make improvements in her recovery, but the road to a complete return to health is a long and costly one.
Medicaid covers only $1,500 per year of the survivor’s physical therapy and speech therapy, while nearly $70,000 is required annually for all of the treatments that have helped her make such progress. These additional expenses are funded through the generosity of the community. 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.
For information on Queena and regular updates on her condition, visit www.joinqueena.com.
