DAVIDSON, N.C. — A veteran sergeant with the Davidson Police Department has been hospitalized for nearly six weeks with a debilitating illness.
Doctors believe Sgt. Cindy Smith, an officer of 15 years, has a form of vasculitis, a condition that attacks the nervous system.
Doctors don’t know what triggers the disease or what type of vasculitis it is the sergeant has, but the illness has attacked her immune system and blood vessels.
[Davidson police ask state to dedicate bridge in fallen officer's name]
The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association said Smith initially went to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms.
After negative results, Smith was still in pain and was diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Police said Smith’s condition continued to worsen and she has been in the hospital for the past month and a half.
Doctors consider Smith to be a “mystery patient.”
The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association has set up an account at the State Employee Credit Union (SECU) to assist with Smith’s medical expenses.
The Cornelius and Huntersville police departments participated in “No Shave December" to raise money for Smith.
Police are asking people to make a donation at any State Employee Credit Union branch and make a check or cash deposit 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.
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