Strength in the Storm — Supporting Our REACH 5 Crew

  • M
99 donors
0% complete

$20,835 raised of $60K

Strength in the Storm — Supporting Our REACH 5 Crew

Donation protected
On October 6th, 2025, the REACH 5 crew — Flight Nurse Suzie Smith, Pilot Chad Milward, and Flight Paramedic Margaret “Dede” Davis — were involved in a devastating helicopter crash while on a mission to help others.
These three incredible individuals are the embodiment of what it means to serve with courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication. They’ve each spent their careers showing up for people on the worst days of their lives — and now, it’s our turn to show up for them.
Suzie Smith was more than a flight nurse — she was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to everyone she worked with. Her strength in her faith, her compassion for every patient, and her pursuit of excellence changed everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She truly emulated the best of what it means to be a healer and a servant of others.
Chad Milward, our pilot, is a man of calm precision and deep integrity. An avid hiker, motorcycle rider, and lifelong aviator, Chad’s skill and selflessness saved lives that day. His actions in those final moments reflect exactly who he is — a professional, a protector, and a quiet hero who would never call himself one.
Margaret “Dede” Davis is known for her strength, heart, and steadfast commitment to her patients and teammates. Dede brings a sense of calm and confidence to every mission, and her courage in the face of adversity reminds us all what true service looks like.
This GoFundMe has been created to support Suzie’s family and the ongoing recovery efforts for Chad and Dede, as they face an unimaginable road ahead. Funds will help with medical expenses, travel, lodging, family needs, and the long-term healing process that follows such tragedy.
The REACH family has always stood for compassion, excellence, and unity — and that doesn’t end here. Every donation, share, and prayer is a way to honor their sacrifice and to lift up those who have given everything in service to others.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Suzie, Chad, and Dede — our friends, our family, and our heroes.

(As requested by the families, this will be a joint fund and will be split equally among them all)


Organizer

Tyler Gausen
Organizer
Redding, CA
  • Medical
  • Donation protected

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee