Jessica Gowers' son Riley faces a laundry list of challenges.
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"He was born with three heart defects; he can't eat by mouth, he has level three autism, and four parts of his brain are smaller than usual," she said.
"He has sight issues, he has deformed ears, he's deaf, he's mute. We were told he should have been a stillborn.
"This is Riley. This is who he is. No one can tell us his life expectancy, so he's here until he's ready."
Four-year old Riley was born with a severe genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome.
Riley is unusual, even for someone with CHARGE syndrome. Most people affected by the syndrome have just a few of the features it causes. Riley has all of them.
Despite a team of medical experts recommending palliative care shortly after his birth, Jessica believes her son, who she describes as her "little comedian", has the ability to accomplish more than first thought.
And he's proving her right.
With the support of staff at Noah's Inclusion Services, Riley walked for the first time this year, a milestone his mum and dad were told he'd never meet.
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"[The first time] I saw him walk I broke down crying - so did his father," she said.
"He walked into his paediatrician appointment and she was blown away."
Despite being "thrown in the deep end" after Riley's birth, his family is stubbornly brave.
"All of his ultrasounds were fine," Jess said.
"When he was born, my immediate reaction was that something was wrong with him."
The young family was transferred to Randwick Hospital, to begin relentless tests and operations. Riley had his first heart operation at a week old, and has gone under the knife 11 times in his four years.
Jessica and Robert King, Riley's father, live with his mother, because Riley must have two adults with him at all times.
Jessica described exhausting days and sleepless nights that revolved around visits to the hospital and Noah's, Riley's favourite place. They have had to resuscitate Riley several times.
Despite the challenges, Jessica said she and Robert are determined to make every day better for Riley.
"Coming to Noah's he's learnt to walk, he's learnt to communicate, he's become more social, and he's learnt not to give up," she said.
"He's been accepted into [primary school] Havenlee. We've been asked why we're sending him - because every child deserves to learn."
She said Riley's disability affects him, but doesn't define him.
"There are really bad days, where you want to cry, then he comes up and does a little dance and shakes his groove-maker," she said.
"You don't see many autistic kids enjoy affection, but he loves cuddles, he loves kisses. Balloons are his all-time favourite.
"He's a happy, lovey baby. As a parent you don't see him for his conditions, you see him for his personality, and his personality is big. He makes everybody laugh."
And at the end of the day, their hopes for Riley are the hopes every parent has for a child about to start school.
"Our dreams for our son are to live a long happy life," she said.
"We were told he wouldn't have much of a life. But he's already accomplished so much. And he's going to school next year.
"We hope he will love being there."