About Charlie
Charlie was a physician, leader, and humanitarian who used his brilliant mind to bring knowledge and compassion together to solve difficult medical, academic, and societal problems. Charlie was a life-long pool and open water competitive swimmer. He fought tirelessly to improve the health of those most vulnerable. He had a great love of children.
Courage
The impetus for the Dr. Charles van der Horst Water Safety Initiative was his untimely death during a marathon swim in the Hudson River in June 2019.
Charlie accomplished so much in his life because he knew no limits. He embraced academic, societal, and athletic challenges with gusto.