When Alba, a tiny 13-day-old baby, faced rejection from 20 different adoptive families, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for 41-year-old Italian Luca Trapanese.
The story unfolds with a decision that ultimately changes life. Each of these 20 families chose to give up the opportunity to hold this special little girl. Little did they know that their decisions would eventually lead to a remarkable change in the life of Lucy Trapanese.
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Since it’s unusual for a single gay man to get custody in his home country, Luca really didn’t think social services would allow him to become Alba’s legal father when he filled out the adoption papers.
However, since none of these families wanted to adopt a child with Down syndrome, and because Luca was happy to have a child with the condition in his life, he adopted Alba and legally became her father.
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He was the happiest man on earth when he welcomed the beautiful Alba into his life. He described his daughter’s case as particularly noteworthy because it “destroys stereotypes about fatherhood, religion, and family.”
This father-daughter adventure started in 2017 and they have been stealing hearts ever since.
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Luka has a pure heart. Over the years he has been involved in a number of social service initiatives and has volunteered with a number of groups that help people with special needs reintegrate into society. He was a member of the “A Ruota Libera” foundation, which, among other things, helped children with Down syndrome.
This was one of the reasons for Luca’s desire to adopt a child with Down syndrome despite the fact that he was single.
Since adoption agencies favor “traditional” families over non-conventional ones, completing the adoption was a challenging process.
Given my profession and my abilities, having a disabled child is not the last option for me, Luca noted.
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With her infectious charm and boundless spirit, Alba is a testament to the power of unconditional love. He indulges in the simple pleasures of life, enjoying playing, dancing, and the warmth of company.
Their story is a shining example of the evolving perception of individuals with Down syndrome. Lucy Trapanese’s unwavering devotion to Alba proves that anyone, regardless of ability or background, can thrive if given love, support, and a nurturing environment.
We applaud Luca and Alba for their incredible journey that has touched the hearts of countless people. Their story is a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that every child, regardless of circumstances, deserves a chance to shine in this world.
We wish Luca and Alba the best that life has to offer!