City woman starts e-mail fundraising effort for Casey Clinton

An Ardmore woman has launched an e-mail campaign she hopes will raise the funds stolen from a Lone Grove father who needs the money to have the mysterious disease that is stealing his life inch by inch diagnosed.
Robin Gray said she was appalled Sunday when she read the story about the theft of fundraising proceeds earmarked for Casey Clinton’s medical fund. A take action kind of gal, Gray isn’t the kind to simply talk about the crime and Clinton’s plight. She said her first thought was to mount a telephone campaign, appealing to friends and acquaintances to donate to Clinton’s cause.
“Then I realized I could reach more people faster by sending out an e-mail,” Gray said.
At 4:05 p.m. Tuesday, the e-mail composed, Gray hit send on her computer.
“I’m sure most of you read the story on the cover of Sunday’s Ardmoreite concerning a man named Casey Clinton. If you did not, it is attached below.
My emotions ran from outrage to deep compassion for a man I do not know. I have made numerous inquiries today regarding this situation. I am told Mr. Casey is a fine man raising two small children and needs our help. First Bank & Trust Co. of Ardmore has established the Casey Mack Clinton Medical Fund Account. 
I invite you to join me in an effort to save this 28 year old father’s life by mailing a tax deductible donation to: First Bank & Trust Co., P.O. Box 1089, Ardmore, OK  73402.
Time is of the essence in this situation. Forwarding this e-mail to supportive donors is appreciated.
With grateful thanks, Robin,” Gray’s e-mail said.
Gray said she asked donations be made directly into Clinton’s account at the local bank in order to insure all contributions are deposited.
Meanwhile, Carter County Sheriff Ken Grace said his department is following up numerous leads called into deputies since the story ran. Grace said Clinton reported the proceeds missing from a benefit at the local Moose Lodge, a dart tournament and a pool tournament. Clinton reported the theft after the woman in charge of depositing the money, identified as Lynette Wright, told him the funds were stolen, but failed to report the theft herself.
“We’re hoping by early next week to have our investigation completed and reports submitted to the district attorney’s office,” Grace said.
Clinton told The Daily Ardmoreite he had been thrilled when he learned a local teenager was organizing the lodge benefit and others were joining the effort by sponsoring the two tournaments. And he was overcome with gratitude by the support of area residents who turned out for the events. However, his elation turned to disappointment when he discovered the proceeds from the three events were missing.
While Clinton, who needs more than $1,680 per month just to pay for his medications and more than $30,000 to finance a trip to Mayo Clinic’s diagnostic center in Arizona, his concern over the stolen money isn’t for himself.
“I feel bad for all those people who gave money or contributed in some way to the fund raisers. I want people to know how grateful and appreciative I am, even though the money was never put into the account,” Clinton said.
Although the theft has been a devastating blow on top of the formidable enemy of disease Clinton is fighting, his grandmother, Diane Key, describes him as having “a bright spirit.” Key said Clinton continues to share joint custody of his two children with his former wife, supports them and is an actively involved parent. According to Key, the will to be a good father is the motivation that “keeps him going.”
The former 220-pound Michelin tire builder began suffering from a multitude of mysterious symptoms in January 2007. Since becoming ill, he has lost more than 100 pounds and has shrunk 5 inches. Clinton suffers from muscular degeneration and dementia. He has a balloon opening in his esophagus that allows him to drink and swallow medications. Eating solid food is difficult. During a recent check up, Clinton was told the disease now appears to be attacking his organs.
“He wears three and four layers of clothes because he’s cold all the time,” Key said.
Clinton, who once studied for the ministry, continues to have medical insurance, but spiraling co-payments have prevented him from seeking the diagnosis he desperately needs. He said his lives by the mantra, “One day at a time.”
Gray said she hopes her e-mail appeal will result in raising the funds the Lone Grove father needs to be able to travel to Arizona for diagnosis.
“I truly hope by today checks are arriving at the bank,” Gray said.
Marsha Miller 221-6529
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com