Support Charley Murtagh

I am so sad to say that Pat Murtagh, the father of Carlsbad's favorite son, Charley Murtagh, passed away after a heart attack, then a week in the hospital. He had three strokes after that. Charley, who has Fragile X Syndrome and is graduating out of the Adult Transition Program (ATP) this year, went to Magnolia Elementary School, Valley Middle School, then Carlsbad High School before going  on to the ATP. Charley has worked so hard in his young life to overcome the many obstacles his disability presents, and his father Pat was a main source of love, care, learning and life skills  for Charley.  Charley will need assistance, guidance and training at home as he moves forward with his life, learning to become a more independent member of our community. There is honestly almost no one in downtown Carlsbad that doesn't recognize and love this amazingly kind and social young man. He sees the beauty in everyone he meets, and constantly tells his classmates  and neighbors that they are beautiful, fabulous and good. Whenever he sees a friend who is sad, he tells him or her that they "are stunning" and he wants to help them get happy.  Charley is currently trying to learn some life skills as he prepares to leave our school community and enter the real world. Charley had been staying with a family friend this last week and his mother and sister aren't  sure how to tell him or help him understand that his father, teacher and best friend is gone. Charley, like his father Pat, is such a beautiful soul. He loves the world and everyone in Carlsbad seems to know him because of his kind, loving and outgoing personality when he walks with his family in the Village.  If there is any way you could contribute to help Charley move forward and grow into an independent young man, could you please donate? Please also keep them all in your prayers. Thank you.


Charley is throwing flowers into the ocean with a best buddy.