Donation Campaign Underway For Hospitalized Davidson Officer

DAVIDSON, NC — A donation campaign is underway in Davidson to help town police officer Sgt. Cindy Smith who has been hospitalized for nearly six weeks and will soon be transferred to Duke University Hospital for treatment of a “mystery” condition that is attacking her immune system and blood vessels.

“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,” said a Facebook post announcing the campaign.

According to the post, Davidson Police Sgt. Cindy Smith, who has serve on the force of the Davidson Police Department for 15 years, went to the emergency room twice in early November with severe pain and flu-like symptoms.

“After multiple tests and a CT scan, Sgt. Smith’s diagnosis was undetermined. A few days later she went back to the emergency room and was transported to Forsyth Medical Center for further evaluation,” the post said.

Due to her active lifestyle as an avid hike and Spartan mud race competitor, she received a preliminary diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Despite treatment, her condition only worsened and she began to experience severe nerve pain.

“Sgt. Smith has been hospitalized for nearly 6 weeks and was just informed that she will be transferred to Duke Hospital in Raleigh for further treatment and evaluation. Doctors believe she has a form of Vasculitis, a condition that attacks the nerve system,” the post said. “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,” the post said.

An account at the State Employee Credit Union (SECU) is being set up without any charges or fees to collect donations for Smith’s medical expenses. “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,” the post said.

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Here’s how 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.

Photo courtesy of Cindy Smith