Ms Lorna McGreehan:

There is much research happening worldwide in respect of lupus. I know many doctors working in conjunction with colleagues in other countries. That is great. The health service in the UK is doing research on dry macular degeneration, so there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, if you pardon the pun, when it comes to my vision. Again, we do not know, although we live in hope of a breakthrough. Having Michael J. Fox there leads to matters being highlighted.

We have heard that Lady Gaga's auntie has lupus, that George Bush's dog had lupus and stories like that. We grasp on to the highlighting of conditions by such stories or if somebody mentions his or her condition in a television interview. It makes people feel a little better if someone, nationally or internationally, mentions their condition, which highlights it a little more for people and makes them feel they are not alone. It is a matter of bringing everything together along with the research. I have always said to my doctors that if I can do anything to help by being the subject of medical research for them, I would do that. I would not mind. I want to help make this issue and everything better for people.