Read about the children as they turn eight and nine years old:
As Emily turns eight she is placed on a waiting list for an operation on her bowels and bladder. At nine she prepares for the potentially life-changing operation that could help solve the double incontience caused by her Spina bifida.
Operations on Zoe's feet mean that she can now walk freely, although her Arthrogryposis still means that she cannot bend her arms. Feeling that her daughter is mature enough to make her own decisions, Zoe's mum allows her daughter to make up her own mind about further surgery on her arms.
Shelbie continues to suffer multiple health problems due to her Patrial Trisomy 9P. Miraculously, Shelbie survives another stint in intensive care and is able to return home without the need for a life support machine.
Hamish is nine inches shorter than the average height of boys his age but feels included by his school friends. He meets an adult achondroplasia sufferer who had leg lengthening surgery as a teenager and considers having surgery himself.
The first operation on William's brain has not removed all of the tumours caused by his Tuberous sclerosis and he may need further invasive surgery. His autism has also become more acute and his mother has her own health issues to address.
The operation to cure Nathan's tongue has been a success. As the only child in his class to have special needs and with the end of primary education fast approaching, his parents wonder if sending him to a secondary school for children with Down's syndrome would be better than continuing his education in a mainstream school.
