The Bay area woman who was brutally attack outside the Bloomingdale library in 2008 is slowly taking steps toward a better quality of life. 

Twice a week, Queena Phu, works with tainers to learn how to walk again. Queena suffered brain damage when she was attacked and has needed around-the-clock care since then. 

She took a huge step, literally, this week at the Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center near the University of South Florida, walking with the help of a harness and trainers. 

Along with some progress, comes large medical bills. Queena's mother Vanna Nguyen said insurance does not cover the walking therapy and the family is struggling to pay the bills. 

Next month, a fundraiser is being held to help with those costs. 

Nguyen said the family appreciates all the support from the community. 

"The support mean everything," Nguyen said. "For money, for physical, my finances, everything. 

"That lifts us up and keep us going every day and we really need (it)." 

At this event last year, the family was able to raise $15,000. 

The second-annual Hope Classic is scheduled for Aug. 6 at Topgolf Tampa at 5:30 p.m.