Sunday, November 18, 2007

The National Museum of Health and Medicine has more than 24 million specimens and artifacts in its collection -- none more touching than this drawing by Nicklas Harkins at right.

"I am ten years old and have MPS," Nicklas writes, using shorthand for the disease mucopolysaccharidosis. "My painting of a dragon expresses the courage that everyone needs when they have MPS."

The painting is among 32 pieces of art from around the world featured in the exhibit "Expression of Hope," at the museum through March 2. All of the artists, several of them children, have rare and serious genetic (inherited) disorders that keep their cells from working properly.

The artwork by the kids is particularly inspiring. It shows strength, courage and, yes, hope.

"My Body and My Heart" by Lawrence Huang: "I cannot help people with my body, but I can help them with my heart. I am not tall, but my heart is greater than anyone's. I have no wings, but my heart flies freely."

"Flowers of Hope" by Grant Bowen: "I am eleven years old. I am a swimmer and play basketball and take art once a week. My painting is a bunch of bright flowers. I really like to use bright colors."

By Alexandra Lilovska, untitled: "I am 11 years old and I like very much to paint. My pictures express the beauty of nature and teach us how important it is to help each other."

"A Swallow" by Zih-Jie Li: "This is a swallow taking care of its baby. I hope to grow up as strong and healthy as others. I wish I could fly high as swallows do and be free. . . . I don't like MPS because I can't move around freely."