My name is Emily Van Meter, and I’m creating this fundraiser for my dear friends Andrew and Tracy Marriner and their daughter Olivia, who is bravely facing a devastating and unexpected cancer diagnosis. Their family is going through something no parent or young woman should ever have to endure, and I’m hoping we can come together to support them during this unimaginable time.

If you've lived in Laguna long enough, you know the Marriners. Andrew grew up here in the local surf community, forming lifelong friendships. He is a familiar face around town, and he and his wife, Tracy, were married here. They built their life in the community they love. Together they have raised both of their children here from birth.

Their daughter Olivia, a 2024 LBHS graduate, is just 19 years old. She has been working locally, continuing her life in the same community that helped raise her. She is bright, hardworking, sweet, and deeply loved.

Olivia’s Story

What started as back pain a year ago that doctors dismissed as a lumbar strain quickly escalated. Despite repeated visits, physical therapy, medications, and growing symptoms — nausea, weight loss, coughing, and overwhelming fatigue — it took months before specialists finally began running the tests she needed. When further testing was finally done, the family received the news no one ever imagined hearing — Olivia has cancer, and it had already progressed further than anyone expected.

Since that week, their lives have been a blur of hospital visits, labs, scans, and urgent decisions. Olivia recently underwent a bone marrow biopsy, an incredibly uncomfortable procedure, which confirmed that the cancer has spread throughout her body, and she is facing Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Watching someone so young face something so overwhelming has been heartbreaking for everyone who loves her. And yet, through all of this, Olivia has shown extraordinary courage. She remains resilient, hopeful, and determined — a reflection of the strength her family has always carried. Watching her go through this is heartbreaking, and the family would never ask for help on their own, which is exactly why we are asking for them.

Olivia’s Treatment Plan

On December 17th, Olivia’s treatment plan began which includes:

Chemotherapy (N-AVD):

A combination of medications—Nivolumab, Adriamycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine—given on a structured schedule over multiple cycles.

Immunotherapy:

Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps her immune system recognize and target lymphoma cells more effectively.

Imaging and Monitoring:

She will undergo PET scans and regular lab tests to monitor response to treatment and adjust the plan as needed.

Fertility Protection:

Her doctors are using ovarian-protective medications during chemotherapy to help preserve future fertility, since egg retrieval is not safe for her right now but may be scheduled in the future

This plan will take several months, followed by long-term follow-up care to ensure remission and monitor recovery.

How You Can Help

As Olivia goes through treatment, the Marriners are facing a number of urgent and significant expenses that fall outside of what insurance typically covers. This fundraiser will help relieve the financial weight on the family so they can focus entirely on Olivia’s healing. It will be a long road to recovery but we are hopeful that she will be cured!

The Marriners have spent their lives here — raising their children and building friendships that feel like family. Now they are facing one of the most difficult challenges any family can experience.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page is just as appreciated. Your kindness, prayers, and generosity mean more than words can express.

Thank you for supporting Olivia and the Marriner family as they navigate this heartbreaking and unexpected chapter.