To the editor:

If you lived in Westport between 1990-2010 and had kids, you knew the Driscolls.  

Frank coached football at the youth level and high school level. Pam raised her three kids — Tara (SHS Class of 1998), Brienne (Class of 2000) and Frisk (Class of 2005).  Pam had an open house to not just her kids’ close friends, but the entire community, always treating each guest like they were family.  

Tara, Brienne and Frisk all were stellar athletes who also volunteered their time coaching and working in the community. In addition, Tara worked at Staples High School as a teacher (now at Stamford High School), Brie mentored dozens of young men and women through some of their toughest times, and Frisk coached the Staples swim team to some of the most successful years they’ve had.  

They’ve given so much to our community. They were, are, and always will be what makes Westport, Westport.

Chances are the Driscolls have been there to support you or someone you know and love. I personally wouldn’t be who I am without the care and guidance from the entire Driscoll family.  

Now, it is our turn to support them.

Tara (last name now Karlson) lives in Redding with her husband Scott and two children, Brien (11) and Kelly (9).  

In the middle of the night on Valentine’s Day, a fire ripped through the home of Tara and Scott Karlson while they slept. 

The terrifying ordeal resulted in all four of them going to the hospital. Brien, the strong-willed fighter of the family, suffered life-threatening injuries. After giving all he had, he passed on Feb. 15. 

Tara and Scott are now experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare, and Kelly lost a best friend and only sibling. While they work to recover from this unimaginable tragedy, they will need our help.

We are requesting that we all lift them in our thoughts and prayers, and ask for people to consider donating to the family’s recovery fund. If interested, please find the official Gofundme by clicking here.

If you have any questions or would like to consider making a donation of larger physical items, please send all inquiries here: KarlsonFamilyFund@gmail.com.

Thank you, god bless, and hug your kids.

Chuck Haberstroh and Family

Westport