Fundraising under way for Seattle detective with rare neurological disorder

Fundraising under way for Seattle detective with neurological disorder

Fundraising under way for Seattle detective with neurological disorder

SEATTLE -- A dedicated Seattle robbery detective who has solved countless crimes is facing the battle of his life.

Dave Clement has a rare neurological disorder. And the only way to save him may be an experimental treatment, and, like many Americans, his insurance doesn't cover it. The city says it's following Aetna's decision.

In a letter to Clement, the city's Department of Human Resources wrote, in part, "Unfortunately, after careful review of your information and subsequent research, SDHR has determined that the city must uphold Aetna's prior denials of coverage for the procedure."

So Tuesday night, friends and strangers are raising money to help him pay for the treatment.

Ron Smith, president of the Seattle Police Officer's Guild, said, "We just decided to raise the money ourselves and the whole goal here is to get David treatment. Doesn't matter to me where he gets the treatment from, we just need to raise these funds to allow him to get his treatment and possibly save his life."

A Go Fund Me campaign has now raised more than $153,000. But more will be needed down the road. To learn more about Dave and to donate, you can visit his page on gofundme.com and search for Dave's Medical Fund.