Veronica Ann Brazell Orel

Veronica Ann Brazell Orel

Transplant Type: Liver

Veronica Orel is fighting for her life; she has been since her 2014 diagnosis with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). This chronic liver disease causes inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts inside and outside the organ. Prolonged narrowing and blockage of these ducts cause further liver damage, ultimately rendering the liver nonfunctioning. There is no cure for PSC aside from a liver transplant and life expectancy for a person without a transplant ranges 9 to 18 years.  Veronica was diagnosed 9 years ago.

PSC has affected Veronica’s life in so many ways. PSC has stolen away her energy, most days causing even the smallest of tasks to be too difficult for Veronica to complete. PSC has wreaked havoc on her digestive system, causing encephalopathy, which leads to severe confusion and the inability to effectively communicate with those around her. PSC has caused multiple hospital stays and countless urgent trips to the emergency room, and an overwhelming sense of disconnect from her life. Every day she is grateful for God’s grace, protection and favor in her life, even with this diagnosis and all the adversity it has caused.

Difficult times are not unknown to Veronica. Unexpectedly becoming a widow and single mother at the age of 24, raising two small children on her own and supporting them alone, she has always done what needed to be done to take care of those she loves. Even during her bout with Breast Cancer in 2017 and 2018, she knew that it was God who was going to see her through, and He has. She’s now been cancer free for five years. 

Her faith in His miracle making capabilities has not wavered due to her illness, they have only intensified.

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Most recently, the doctors informed her that a transplant is critical for survival. They urged her to begin her search for a living donor, which she started in May of 2023. Immediately eight people from Veronica’s life reached out to see if they were a viable match but no one met the criteria. Veronica, instead of feeling hopeless over the situation, was encouraged. She knew that everything would happen in God’s timing and her faith was strengthened knowing someone, somewhere would be the miracle she needs.

In July of 2023, while attending services at Lifepoint Church, a member of the church approached Veronica to introduce herself. She stated that God had placed a desire in her heart years before to offer a portion of her liver or kidney to someone in need. She continued, stating that she believes God wants her to see if she could be the help Veronica needs. She asked if she could get in contact with Veronica’s medical team to see if she could be a match. Connections were made, tests began and this wonderful, faith filled, obedient to the call of God on her life human angel is a match. Currently everything is looking positive and there are plans prayerfully being considered for an October 2023 surgery date. This is the miracle Veronica has been waiting for. God in his infinite wisdom and grace has begun opening the doors to restore her life. Divine intervention, God is still in the miracle making, prayer answering business and Veronica’s testimony is living proof. She knows, whatever happens, God is in control and with her last breath she will serve Him and not take one moment of her life for granted.

Veronica is looking forward to receiving her transplant and knows fearlessly that God will restore her good health, allowing her to be the active person she once was. It is her heart’s desire to be able to do the things she wants to do and be who she wants to be… a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a testimony to God and his miracle making ways.  But she needs more help.

The average liver transplant costs approximately $740,000.00. Even with insurance approval, covering a portion of the surgery, Veronica still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, Veronica will require follow-up care, anti-rejection medications and coverage during her extended stays at the hospital. These post-transplant medications are very expensive and they are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. There will be extensive stays near the transplant center as she recovers, incurring significant expenses for travel, food and lodging. But you can help.

Be a part of this miracle. Be an active, participating part of God’s plan for Veronica’s life. Pray for her and if God places it on your heart to help, please make a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Veronica. 

If you’d prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT-North Carolina Transplant Fund, 3249 W Sarazen’s Circle, Suite 100, Memphis TN 28125. Please be sure to write “In Honor of Veronica Orel'' on the memo line.