Self-Defense Event To Benefit Bloomingdale Library Rape Survivor

In honor of a woman who was unable to protect herself against a brutal beating and rape, Title Boxing Club at 889 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, is hosting a self-defense class Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 2 p.m.

The one-hour class will incorporate self-defense techniques and include a warm-up and cool-down.

The $20 donation for the class will go to the “Fight for Queena” fund for the ongoing medical expenses of the young woman who was attacked outside the Bloomingdale Regional Library in Valrico five years ago.

Participants will receive a free pair of hand wraps to take home. In addition, the normal membership enrollment fee of $99 will be waived for those attending the fundraiser and each new member will receive a one-time 30 percent discount on gloves.

In April 2008, Queena, an East Bay High School student preparing to graduate and head to the University of Florida on a full scholarship, was attacked while returning books to the library's book drop. 

Although her injuries were so severe that she nearly died, Queena fought for her life and is now fighting to regain her old life. The attack left her unable to walk, talk, see or feed herself.  

Tiffany Ogborn of Title Boxing Club believes self-defense training is crucial in today's world.  

According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement, forcible sex offenses have increased 15.8 percent from 2011 to 2012. Almost 200 forcible rapes were reported in Hillsborough County last year. More than 90 percent of these reported attacks was without a weapon and may have been prevented with self-defense, she said.

The community can now follow Queena’s progress on her website.   

The website gives a glimpse of her daily life and documents her journey through therapy, faith and the love and support of friends, family and strangers.

Because Medicaid covers only $1,500 per year of Queena's physical and speech therapy, a fund has been established to help with her medical expenses. Her treatments cost nearly $70,000 a year. 

Donations can be made through the website or made payable to the Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim Trust at any Bank of Tampa or SunTrust Bank. 

For more information about the self-defense class, call 813-324-8867.