Hello friends and family,

I'm Emily Girdner, and I'm reaching out on behalf of my sister-in-law, Karla Buckner, and my brother, Nicholas Buckner. We're updating this GoFundMe to help with the crushing medical expenses and financial struggles they've faced since Karla's diagnosis with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in January 2023.

Karla's journey has been incredibly tough, with a bone marrow transplant, chronic Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD), and now Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), a very rare lung disease.    that is only found in approximately 0.2-1.0 per million people worldwide. Due to its rarity, diagnosis and treatment often require specialized care and expertise. There is no cure for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP).  However, various treatments can manage the condition and improve quality of life. Whole lung lavage is a common treatment that can provide some relief. Some patients may also benefit from medications like GM-CSF. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered. Karla’s pulmonary surgeon and the medical team have met with Karla and have decided to move forward with the whole lung lavage treatment in an attempt to give Karla some relief and hopefully improve  Karla’s quality of life.

She's undergoing extensive treatment, including high doses of medication (40 pills per day), frequent and extended hospital stays, and is now facing another possible life-saving whole lung lavage procedure.

Nick has been Karla's rock, caring for her throughout her journey, but he's also been dealing with his own challenges after a horrific head on car accident in May 2025 that knocked him unconscious and left him with head, neck, back, shoulder and arm injuries.  Nick’s car was a totaled and he was unable to go into the office for 2 months due to his injuries.

Their medical expenses, combined with lost income and unexpected costs, have put them in a difficult financial spot. Insurance doesn't cover everything, and their finances have been severely strained.  

We're asking for your help to reach our $40,000 goal. Everyone’s help will bring them closer to getting the financial help they need. Thank you in advance  for your support.

Update: We've raised $4,975 so far, and we're grateful for your generosity. Let's come together to help Karla and Nick during this tough time.