Family of injured girl, 2, pleads for prayers

A family in Dutchess County, who lost their patriarch in a car crash and whose two-year-old daughter is fighting for her life, says they believe in the power of prayer.

The Allen family is asking for prayers for Codie, 3, Tatum, 2, and their mother, Emily, as they cope with the tragic accident.

Edward Allen, 32, died four miles from Millbrook School where he was an athletic director. On Dec. 5, Allen's SUV collided, head-on, with a dump truck carrying gravel.

Allen died at the scene of the crash. His daughters, who were also in the vehicle, were airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, reported the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Tatum suffered life-threatening injuries. Codie is expected to survive.

The family is asking for the public's prayers, especially for Tatum, who has severe brain damage.

Relatives have also created a fundraising page at YouCaring.com to help defray hospital and long-term costs for Tatum, Codie and Emily.

The family posted the following message to the site:

"While no amount of money will ever ease the pain and loss the Egan and Allen families are going through, every contribution is a show of love and support that will remind them they are not alone. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as our tough little Tatum continues to fight for her life."