TAMPA - The Story Lives On, a celebration for Queena the Bloomingdale Library Survivor, runs from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday (April 29) at the Tampa Woman's Club, 2901 Bayshore Blvd.
Family, friends and well-wishers will gather to celebrate 10 years of survival for Queena Phu, the 28-year-old woman who was raped and beaten in April of 2008 outside the Bloomingdale library.
Queena suffered a traumatic brain injury from the attack that left her disabled, but her mother, Vanna Nguyen, and sister, Anna Donato, have persevered and worked to provide her care while the community has consistently rallied to raise money for her care.
The event also will serve as a chance for Nguyen to reveal information about her memoir: Hope - The Anchor For My Soul. Over the last three years Nguyen has worked on the project which details the events that followed after the attack and also takes readers through her mother's view of childhood in Vietnam and her journey to the United States, growing up as an immigrant, and struggles of motherhood and being a single mom.
"The month of April is not overshadowed by tragedy for us," Nguyen said. "Instead, we look at this as a time of celebration and a time of thanks for all that she has accomplished and those who have helped her to get here."
Nguyen's wish is 100 percent of the proceeds from the book, once published, can support ongoing expenses through Hope Heals the Brain and Queena's Medical Trust Fund.
At the celebration, East Coast Pizza will cater and Spunky Spirits will provide beverages. Other sponsors include Foreman Productions (professional DJ), Crystal Alanna Photography and Brides N Blooms flowers.
Admission is 75 for two, $15 for ages 5-12 and 4 and younger are free.
For more information, visit queena10year.eventbrite.com.