Friends and family continue to rally behind a Palmerton teen who was critically injured in a crash earlier this month.

Emily Brong, 15, remains in the Critical Care Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, where she is fighting for her life. She was one of four teens who were passengers in car driven by Liz Heffley, 16, daughter of state Rep. Doyle Heffley.The crash took place the morning of Jan. 19, as the teens were heading to practice softball. Heffley's car was struck by a pickup truck driven by another teen and then spun out of control into another car.Emily and another passenger, Tyler Fisher, both in Heffley's car, were flown to the hospital from the scene.The other three teens were also admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital with less extensive injures, and were released within a few days. Fisher spent a few days at Good Shepherd following his release from the hospital.Emily remains in the hospital, with her mother constantly at her side."The community has been so supportive of Emily and our family," said her mother, Beth Brong. "Cards and prayers are sent to Emily every day through the free service that LV Hospital offers."Brong said the cards are printed by staff and delivered to her each day."Family members read her new cards to her daily," she added.Cards are also being sent to the homes of friends in care of Beth, in order to keep their address off social media for the protection of the family. Friends' addresses are listed on the "Pray for Emily" Facebook page.Pray for Emily was created by one of her friends as an avenue for friends and family to stay in touch around the clock with Beth and Emily. It has more than 4,000 likes."It's so nice to know that so many people are praying for my daughter," Brong said.Brong's friend, Nicki Frank, is serving as the family's spokeswoman. Emily, a sophomore at Palmerton Area High School, often babysits Frank's three children."Emily is a typical teenager," she said. "She loves to get her hair and nails done and loves to do other people's hair and nails. She comes here to baby-sit for a few hours and ends up staying for the weekend because she is having so much fun with my girls."She added that her 8-year-old daughter regards Emily as her best friend.Frank said Emily plays second base and pitches for the softball team. She is also a designated hitter."Emily loves music, likes to swim and going out to eat with her family and friends," said Frank, adding that she loves going to Joey B's."I have spent quite a bit of time at the hospital," said Frank. "Her friends have created five beautiful collages of photographs of Emily with her friends. Each of the photos show Emily having a lot of fun."Frank continued, "Most of all I want everyone to know that Emily is a good girl. She enjoyed being with my children and she loves kids. She is a really, really good girl."Fundraising effortsFrank said that Emily's mother is concerned about what the costs will be for her to remain in the ICU unit and the therapy she will likely need later. To help with costs for her recovery, Emily's brother, Erik, 11, created "Team Emily" bracelets. Laura Gardner, Kim Ahner, LeaAnn Rex and Nicki Frank are selling them.Student representatives at Palmerton Area High School are also helping Liz Heffley and Megan Ahner sell the bracelets.Bracelets are available at Hair-Riffic and Joey B's in Palmerton as well as some other locations and sporting events. The bracelets sell for a $1 donation.In addition, Cindy Reinhard and Melissa Hager are hosting a Vera Bradley Bingo on Sunday, March 16 at the high school. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Bingo starts at 1 p.m.Tickets are $20 and will be available at Hager Furniture. A Chinese auction will be held in conjunction with the bingo. Lunch will be available.Anyone who would like to sponsor the event can contact Cindy at

cindyr@ptd.net.Two Zumba classes will also benefit Emily's medical fund.Sal Melo is donating all proceeds to Emily from a Zumba class that is being held tonight at the Sokol Hall. Admission is $5. The event will start at 6:30 p.m. Bracelets will also be available at the event.Julie Stroup will also collect donations at a free three-year anniversary Zumba class to be held at 7 p.m. Feb 13 at the Lehighton Band Hall.At Palmerton Area High School Principal Paula Husar said that the school is behind Emily's recovery, and that several fundraisers are planned there.Team Emily bracelets are being sold at the school along with a "canning project," where students accept donations at the entrance to the gym. A Team Emily T-shirt sale will be held along with a Penny War."The Penny War is the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade classes filling jars with change," Husar said. "The classes compete against each other to see who gathers the most in their jar. The top class will receive a pizza party."She said the school will match the Penny War proceeds.Brong, who is a nurse, added that her co-workers have generously donated vacation time to her."I am grateful that I have this added time to spend with my daughter," she said. "I am so touched by all who have taken time for our family. I am truly proud to call Palmerton my home. The school district has been extremely supportive, from the teachers to the superintendent. I am so thankful for everyone. Please ask people to continue to pray for my Emily."