An "Expression of Hope" from the afflicted.

• Position: Exhibition of stories and art of people with Lysosomal Storage Disorders - Brief article

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"I am ten years old and have MPS I. My painting of a dragon expresses the courage that everyone needs when they have MPS." Artist Nicklas Harkins describes his life with Mucopolysaccharidosis I and his strength, along with the stories of others living with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), through a collection of inspiring pieces of art entitled "Expression of Hope."

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Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of approximately 50 inherited genetic disorders, sharing common clinical and biochemical characteristics. Individually, each disease is rare but, as a group, the prevalence of LSDs has been estimated from one in 5,000 to one in 7,000 individuals.

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People with LSDs either are lacking--or in short supply of--particular enzymes that are found in the lysosome (a compartment of the cell) that contains various digestive enzymes as well as acidic materials. Because of...