In 2013, at the age of nine, Charles suffered from a ruptured AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation), a type of cranial stroke. As a result of the pressure build up in his brain, he was left paralyzed on the entire left side of his body. After a month in the ICU and a second month in in-patient rehab, he was released from the hospital. Although he recovered miraculously, he still suffers from full paralysis from the knee down on his left leg. He said, “I look at my deficit not as a burden but rather a challenge I am motivated every day to overcome.”

His deficit has not prevented him from continuing to compete and enjoy his hobbies. Over the past several years Charles has been able to compete in Ironman triathlons, CrossFit competitions, and collegiate rugby. Hunting and fishing are still a large part of his life as well as playing music. He attributes Swim with Mike with “giving me the opportunity to balance my extracurriculars with my education.” Charles has excelled at Hillsdale College where he majors in Economics with a minor in Chemistry. He has a long-term goal of attending dental school and pursuing dentistry as his career.