Davidson Police Officer Hospitalized, Needs Your Support

 

 

Davidson Police Sgt. Cindy Smith, a 15-year veteran and a long time Police Benevolent Association member with the Town of Davidson, went to the emergency room the 1st week of November with flu-like symptoms. A test for the flu came back with negative results. Due to severe pain the following day, she went back to the emergency room. After multiple tests and a CT scan, Sgt. Smith’s diagnosis was un-determined. A few days later she went back to the emergency room and was transported to Forsyth Medical Center for further evaluation.  An avid hiker and Spartan race competitor, she was preliminarily diagnosed and treated for both Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Her condition worsened and she could hardly get out of bed due to severe nerve pain throughout her body.

 

Sgt. Smith has been hospitalized for nearly 6 weeks and was just informed that she will be transferred to Duke University Hospital in Durham for further treatment and evaluation. Doctors believe she has a form of Vasculitis, a condition that attacks the nervous system. The doctors cannot determine what triggered the Vasculitis in Sgt. Smith. This disease, without warning, attacked her immune system and blood vessels.  They have not determined what type of Vasculitis is attacking her body. Based on biopsy results, doctors believe her illness started about 8 weeks prior to Thanksgiving but she is still considered a “mystery patient.” Multiple doctors and institutions continue to be consulted.

 

We are grateful to everyone who has inquired about donations for Sgt Smith. An account has been established at the State Employee Credit Union (SECU), to assist with her medical expenses. The credit union is providing the account without any charges or fees. This option works better than a third-party account because all the money goes directly to Sgt Smith without any associated fees or opportunity for fraudulent activity.

 

We would also like to recognize the generosity of the Cornelius and Huntersville Police Department brothers and sisters in blue. Both agencies participated in “No Shave December,” fundraising effort with all the proceeds going to benefit Sgt. Smith.

 

Sgt. Smith’s co-workers at the Town of Davidson and Davidson Police Department are asking for your prayers and support for Sgt. Smith. She is facing a long road to recovery, potential medical expenses that will not be covered by insurance, and costs to enable her husband and family to be with her during her long-distance hospitalization.

 

To make a donation:

 

Any SECU branch can accept a check or cash deposit. Please make checks payable to “Cindy Mills Smith” and reference “Special Account for Sgt. Smith” in the memo line at the bottom of the check.  Checks can also be mailed to:

   

    State Employees’ Credit Union 

    P.O. Box 2294

    Cornelius, NC 28031