A young girl, who was previously rejected by her mother and 20 adoptive families, has found a new home. Luca Trapanese, a single gay man, has shared his touching story of adopting baby Alba, which has gone viral online. It’s rare for social services to allow a single, gay man to adopt.
Luca Trapanese, a 41-year-old Italian, was given a special chance by social services to adopt baby Alba, who has Down syndrome. He recently wrote a book, as reported by the BBC, detailing his unique journey to fatherhood. In a radio talk, Luca said his story breaks common beliefs about fatherhood, religion, and family.
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In Italy, it has traditionally been challenging for homosexual and single parents to adopt. Speaking to the BBC, Luca Trapanese mentioned that he was informed he’d likely adopt a child with health issues, severe disabilities, or behavioral challenges. However, he expressed that he was completely accepting of that.
When Alba was only 13 days old in 2017, 20 families had already chosen not to adopt her due to her condition. However, Luca adopted her and found joy in her presence. “She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfilment. I am proud to be her dad,” Luca expressed.
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Having worked in many care centers for individuals with special needs, Luca always had a dream of becoming a father. His drive to help others began at 14, following the loss of his close friend to cancer. He devoted his time volunteering for organizations connected to the Catholic church, frequently assisting those who were critically ill or disabled.
Even without a partner, Luca was determined to adopt because of his history of helping others. He went ahead and adopted Alba, ensuring she now has a loving home with him. As reported by the BBC, Alba is a spirited young girl who occasionally shows her stubborn side. She has a love for playing, dancing, and being around others.
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“It was the first time I’d held a newborn baby. Before that moment, I had always been scared. But, when I first held Alba, I knew I was ready to be her dad,” he said. “I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away.”
Years after their heartwarming story went viral, people continue to keep up with Luca and Alba’s life through Luca’s Instagram, where he boasts over 559,000 followers. The father-daughter duo enjoys spending quality time together, filling their days with joy and laughter.
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Luca and Alba’s bond remains heartwarming to witness. They relish outdoor adventures, traveling around Italy, painting, socializing, and simply cherishing their moments together. Our hearts go out to both Luca, a man of immense compassion, and Alba, a young girl with a promising future because of him. If you’re moved by their story, please share it to inspire others.
