Veronica Thomson, 36 from Cincinnati, is living with her family in Dublin, Ohio. She and her husband, Mark, met while they were both attending Ohio State University, where Veronica was pursuing a degree in pharmacy, graduating in 2017. In 2020, Veronica and Mark married, adapting their wedding when Covid-19 hit, exchanging a large venue for an intimate backyard ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. They purchased their first home and began building the life they had envisioned together. Almost three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Regina Grace. 

If you ask Veronica what brings her the greatest happiness, her answer is simple: her daughter.  She treasures watching Regina grow, learn, and discover the world around her. Whether it’s spending mornings at library storytimes or Kindermusik, capturing special moments in photographs and videos, enjoying frequent adventures around Columbus, or simply singing at home, Veronica treasures every opportunity to make memories together. Alongside Mark, she has built a home filled with love, laughter, and an appreciation for life's simple moments. 

Veronica is equally passionate about her career as a pharmacist, a profession she worked tirelessly to achieve and one that continues to bring her fulfillment through learning, purpose, and helping others. She continues to work three days a week at a local pharmacy in Columbus called Friends Pharmacy. 

Looking back, Veronica realizes her journey with VPS13A began years before she received a diagnosis in July 2024. At first, the symptoms were subtle, small changes that could easily be attributed to stress, fatigue, or countless other everyday explanations. During her pregnancy, however, those symptoms became more noticeable. The most prominent symptom was feeding dystonia. What followed were many months of uncertainty as she searched for answers, undergoing evaluations for conditions including anxiety, Huntington’s disease, and stroke, yet still having no explanation for her symptoms. It wasn't until a neurologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dr. Kevin Flanagan, ordered genetic testing that she finally received the diagnosis of VPS13A disease. 

Today, Veronica continues to embrace the life she loves, though some everyday activities require more effort than they once did. Fatigue comes more easily, speaking clearly is a little more difficult, walking has become more challenging, and chewing difficulties have made it harder to enjoy some of her favorite foods. Yet her outlook remains grounded in hope. She believes in the dedication of researchers working toward treatments, and ultimately a cure, and draws strength each day from her family. 

Through every challenge, Veronica continues to celebrate her family's milestones, cherish the ordinary moments that mean the most, and faces the future with resilience, gratitude, and unwavering hope.