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This Single Dad Adopted A Baby Girl With Down Syndrome Who Was Rejected By 20 Families
There’s nothing more heartwarming than reading stories about abandoned children who finally get to go home to loving parents. Just last month, Bored Panda wrote about a gay couple who adopted an HIV-positive baby. Now it’s time for you to meet Luca Trapanese – a man from Italy who is challenging the stereotypes of fatherhood, religion, and family in his home country. Back in 2017, the 41-year-old adopted his daughter Alba, when she was not even a month old. Luca’s story has gone viral for several reasons – one of which is that Luca is gay and single and the social services in Italy don’t usually grant custody to single, homosexual men. Luca later told the media that he was told he would only be able to adopt a child with health or behavioral problems. But that didn’t scare him away.
More info: Instagram
Back in 2017, Luca adopted baby girl Alba
Image credits: trapaluca
Luca Trapanese – a 41-year-old single man from Italy – adopted Alba when she was merely 13 days old. The little girl has Down’s Syndrome and was given up for adoption by her mother because of it. It wasn’t easy to find a new family for baby Alba – 20 families rejected the newborn because of her condition. But fortunately, Luca turned up and Alba’s life changed forever.
Ever since Luca was 14, he had been working and volunteering for organizations focused on children with special needs. He also always wanted to become a father, however, this posed certain struggles, as he was (and still is) single. Fortunately, in 2017 he was finally given permission to adopt under one condition.
The girl has down syndrome
Image credits: trapaluca
Due to which she was previously rejected by 20 families
Image credits: trapaluca
But Alba’s condition did not scare Luca away as he was determined to become a father
Image credits: trapaluca
Luca himself had worked in care centers for people with special needs
Image credits: trapaluca
Luca was told that he could only adopt a baby with special needs who had been previously rejected by traditional families. Luca was in 7th heaven – he knew he was finally bound to become a father, just like he always dreamed. “Since I was 14 years old, I have volunteered and worked with the disabled so I felt I had the right knowledge and experience to do it,” Luca told the media.
In July 2017, he got the call he was waiting for so long – it was the tribunal that informed him of a baby girl. Luca listened to her story and without any hesitation instantly said yes and rushed to the hospital to meet his daughter. “When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away,” Luca revealed.
So he wasn’t afraid of the challenges he could face while raising Alba
Image credits: trapaluca
He knew he had the right knowledge and experience to adopt the baby
Image credits: trapaluca
Since he was 14, Luca had been working and volunteering for organizations focused on children with special needs
Image credits: trapaluca
“When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away”
Image credits: trapaluca
“It was the first time I 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,” said the young father.
Today, the man’s life revolves around Alba. He says that his daughter “revolutionized his life and everything revolves around her. She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment. I am proud to be her dad. I wanted her to be my daughter.”
“I am proud to be her dad”
Image credits: trapaluca
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What do you think ?
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
Forget typical ideologies about masculinity. This is what really being a man is. Or woman. Or just human. This dude is awesome, and look how happy she is!
Nikki Gregerson 4 years ago
You can see the love! She is a very lucky little girl and I'm glad her daddy found her!
Full Name 4 years ago
Yup. I guarantee that so many parents when finding out their child has something "wrong" with them think ".....f**k!". This guy went for it voluntarily. You know he'll be the perfect dad for her. What a great story.
Load More Replies...
Anne 4 years ago
There can be many challenges to raising a child with Down Syndrome. That said.. I think I'm happy they all did. Now Alba has the dad she deserves :)
Load More Replies...
Demi Zwaan 4 years ago
So a gay single man is not good enough to raise a healthy child, but if they have a reject, he’s good? That is awful on so many levels. Glad it worked out for them, but the underlying reasons are horrific.
mcborge1 4 years ago
Hat's off to this man. Raising a duaghter as a man on your own is hard, raising a duaghter (or son) with special needs is even harder. Trust me i know. I became a widdower at 26 when my Autistic daughter waas only 3. My familly kept telling me to put her in care. I didn't even consider that idea and raised her without thier support. She's now 26 herself and still living with me. I have my own health problems now but I refuse to let those stop me being the dad she still needs. Love means more then dissability or being judged by others. This guy isn't a mere hero, he's just a human living to a standard we should all live by. I wish them both all the best for the future.
Free Independent 4 years ago
Though you don't consider yourself a hero, I believe you are one also! ("My familly kept telling me to put her in care. I didn't even consider that idea and raised her without their support")
Load More Replies...
deanna woods 4 years ago
This little girl seems like she is so sweet and she is so adorable. I don't see how anyone can reject a child over something that is not within their control. Children with Down's Syndrome are just as lovable as children that don't have it. Taking care of a child with a disability requires may require more work sometimes, but you will get to receive the same amount of love. All children deserve love no matter what.
Helen Haley 4 years ago
They might not think they have the skills or money to adopt a child with a disability. This man clearly has the background and skills to do right by the child. I doubt the majority rejected her simply because they deemed her unloveable.
Load More Replies...
Misha Writer 4 years ago
Downs kids are a challenge, but they are a joy too, as any child. Kudos to this guy, and people like him, who take on special needs children. They're people, like everyone else, they just want to love and be loved.
Mónica Elisabeth Sacco 4 years ago
Parenting has to do with love, not sexual orientation. Bravo, Luca!
Full Name 4 years ago (edited)
Not necessarily. I've seen studies showing that gay couple actually have slightly more successful children overall. TBH, I suspect most adoptive families do since clearly the children were wanted and that would be reflected in the childcare.
Load More Replies...
Rebecca Broscombe-Adams 4 years ago
What a superstar. I work with people with DS and would do exactly the same.
Kim Jenkins 4 years ago
Huge lump in my throat... beginning of tears in my eyes... this is family... this is love...
Matt Penny 4 years ago
What a dude. Can't believe he's still single. I'm not gay but would probably switch codes for this guy.
KT Trondsen 4 years ago
20 people said no? How horrid! You either want a baby or you don't. She is so adorable and you can see the love they have. Beautiful story!
Full Name 4 years ago
"You either want a baby or you don't". What about one with severe autism and a bunch of medical problems? Exact same as a healthy one? Sure. I'm willing to bet that none of the people posting these comments live with a special needs person or has or will adopt one.
Load More Replies...
Laura Rudgers 4 years ago
Alba is such a cutie, so beautiful! And Luca, what a beautiful soul! Rock on daddy and daughter!
Laura Rudgers 4 years ago
Alba is so cute!! She is definitely the daughter for Luca, you can see the joy and gratefulness in these photos.
Jo Choto 4 years ago (edited)
How awful that because of the way they were born, neither of them are considered “good enough” for the standard adoption process. Gay men aren’t good enough for an average child? A little girl with an extra chromosome isn’t good enough for a straight family? See how ridiculous it sounds when you say it out loud. How lovely that they have each other. THIS is what family is.
Full Name 4 years ago
They'd LOVE for a straight family to accept a special needs child. It says right in the article she was rejected by 20 families already.
Load More Replies...
Karen Hann 4 years ago
I'm so glad that precious child is with someone who will love and care for her so well.
Judy Rofe 4 years ago
Flowing tears and and I'm swallowing great lumps of love. Gay, straight, black, white, human, compassionate, tenacious. You had a vision; you're determined because you deserved to be a dad no matter who you are. You're the angels in each other. Bless you and your little girl.
Evan Clemitson 4 years ago
As a father of a special needs child all I can say is AWSOME and even that doesn't come close enough.
Bridget Webb 4 years ago
They were meant for each over ,a lovely baby for a lovely man.
Load More Replies...
Manjari Gupta 4 years ago
Baby girls are like heaven...all the best dear... you are the face of humanity!!
Steve Barker 4 years ago
Who wouldn't want to be her Dad? She's precious. Down kids are the absolute BEST. Cute, funny, loving, smart in a different way, and capable of ANYTHING any other kid is. Plus a great attitude and loving nature. If I weren't so old, I'd adopt a Down kid. Love 'em.!
Full Name 4 years ago
If they were capable of "ANYTHING" any other kid is, then they'd be the same as any other kid. Duh. By definition you are wrong.
Load More Replies...
Monster munch 4 years ago
I don't understand why he was only able to adopt a child with a disability.
Full Name 4 years ago
Single people rarely are allowed to adopt, and I suspect it's way harder for homosexuals to adopt (which in 2019 is just f*****g weird).
Load More Replies... Naoko Yamaguchi 4 years ago
Rejected by 20 families? Why? She's so cute and good... I don't understand... Anyway, she is the happiest girl in the world, who've got the very best daddy!
Lynn Carey-Lyons 4 years ago
That is so heart warming, he must be one of the best dads on this earth! Good health and happiness to them both!xxx
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
This is an Amazing man! You can see the live they have for each other in every picture! So very heartwarming.
Harleen 4 years ago
Just like any mental illness, children with DS have levels on which they're effected - so yes, while one child may need life care in a facility, many kids with DS can be COMPLETELY NORMAL. If they're given time, patience, love and help, they're able to be like any other kid <3
Brenda Swann 4 years ago
I’m not crying. What a world this world be, if only I had a dad like this. You can see the love in his face. Bless you, bless you real good 🙏🏽
Irina Rachow 4 years ago
I wonder if her birth parents could see how precious and happy she is if it would tear their souls with regret at not keeping her. She is in the right place if she was given up due to her disability. a match meant to be. As the parent of a special-needs child my heart aches at the beauty of this post. (I love how he's petting his cat while also focusing on his daughter). Amazing.
Lyone Fein 4 years ago
God bless both of them. May they have all the goodness the world can provide.
Susann Campbell 4 years ago
You are one of the luckiest ones. You were blessed with an Angel. Ever since I was young and I would see these children I was told by my brain that these are Angels come to Earth to see how we treat each other. That extra chromosome , is from God. They are direct links to God.
Ellie Ragsdale 4 years ago
Awww these pictures are all so adorable my heart just can't take it. 😍😘💝😥
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
What a beautiful and joyful little girl, and what a beautiful family. .My sympathy for the mother who will undoubtedly forever regret her choice.
Full Name 4 years ago (edited)
The mom and dad (he was in on this too) gave the child up for it to be in a wonderful situation with someone who desperately wanted her. The choice may have come with heartache, but I think the fact the child will grow up in the best of circumstances will provide a lot of comfort (if the parents ever find out, that is).
Load More Replies...
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
A wonderful man, no question he will be a great dad, also, Alba is adorable , Bless to both !!!
Dan Pieniak 4 years ago
I nominate him for Father of the Year! Amazing to see the love in each of their faces.
Sill Marien 4 years ago
Aand of course he's gay. And can't imagine a straight guy doing it. Just can't. They are too selfish.
Full Name 4 years ago
I did not know that sexual preferences were directly related to selfishness. Thanks for enlightening me. My biologist friends will be thrilled to hear this.
Load More Replies...
Ippei Shimada 4 years ago (edited)
Looks like my faith in humanity is restored. Bless them both
N. Carstensen 4 years ago
Evil Italian mom gives up daughter because she has downs syndrome!? Shame on her....I will never eat pizza anymore!
Viviane Katz 4 years ago
You might want to avoid all food - you never know which cultural group has an evil mom in their midst. Seriously, you're going to boycott a certain food because the biological mother giving up a child far outweighs the good that an adoptive father is bringing to this world???
Load More Replies...
Georgia Valentine 4 years ago
You don't know her story, or if she's even alive. Stop
Load More Replies...
Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
Judging by this comment and others you've made, I would say that it is YOU who is defective. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Load More Replies...
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
Forget typical ideologies about masculinity. This is what really being a man is. Or woman. Or just human. This dude is awesome, and look how happy she is!
Nikki Gregerson 4 years ago
You can see the love! She is a very lucky little girl and I'm glad her daddy found her!
Full Name 4 years ago
Yup. I guarantee that so many parents when finding out their child has something "wrong" with them think ".....f**k!". This guy went for it voluntarily. You know he'll be the perfect dad for her. What a great story.
Load More Replies... Anne 4 years ago
There can be many challenges to raising a child with Down Syndrome. That said.. I think I'm happy they all did. Now Alba has the dad she deserves :)
Load More Replies... Demi Zwaan 4 years ago
So a gay single man is not good enough to raise a healthy child, but if they have a reject, he’s good? That is awful on so many levels. Glad it worked out for them, but the underlying reasons are horrific.
mcborge1 4 years ago
Hat's off to this man. Raising a duaghter as a man on your own is hard, raising a duaghter (or son) with special needs is even harder. Trust me i know. I became a widdower at 26 when my Autistic daughter waas only 3. My familly kept telling me to put her in care. I didn't even consider that idea and raised her without thier support. She's now 26 herself and still living with me. I have my own health problems now but I refuse to let those stop me being the dad she still needs. Love means more then dissability or being judged by others. This guy isn't a mere hero, he's just a human living to a standard we should all live by. I wish them both all the best for the future.
Free Independent 4 years ago
Though you don't consider yourself a hero, I believe you are one also! ("My familly kept telling me to put her in care. I didn't even consider that idea and raised her without their support")
Load More Replies... deanna woods 4 years ago
This little girl seems like she is so sweet and she is so adorable. I don't see how anyone can reject a child over something that is not within their control. Children with Down's Syndrome are just as lovable as children that don't have it. Taking care of a child with a disability requires may require more work sometimes, but you will get to receive the same amount of love. All children deserve love no matter what.
Helen Haley 4 years ago
They might not think they have the skills or money to adopt a child with a disability. This man clearly has the background and skills to do right by the child. I doubt the majority rejected her simply because they deemed her unloveable.
Load More Replies... Misha Writer 4 years ago
Downs kids are a challenge, but they are a joy too, as any child. Kudos to this guy, and people like him, who take on special needs children. They're people, like everyone else, they just want to love and be loved.
Mónica Elisabeth Sacco 4 years ago
Parenting has to do with love, not sexual orientation. Bravo, Luca!
Full Name 4 years ago (edited)
Not necessarily. I've seen studies showing that gay couple actually have slightly more successful children overall. TBH, I suspect most adoptive families do since clearly the children were wanted and that would be reflected in the childcare.
Load More Replies... Rebecca Broscombe-Adams 4 years ago
What a superstar. I work with people with DS and would do exactly the same.
Kim Jenkins 4 years ago
Huge lump in my throat... beginning of tears in my eyes... this is family... this is love...
Matt Penny 4 years ago
What a dude. Can't believe he's still single. I'm not gay but would probably switch codes for this guy.
KT Trondsen 4 years ago
20 people said no? How horrid! You either want a baby or you don't. She is so adorable and you can see the love they have. Beautiful story!
Full Name 4 years ago
"You either want a baby or you don't". What about one with severe autism and a bunch of medical problems? Exact same as a healthy one? Sure. I'm willing to bet that none of the people posting these comments live with a special needs person or has or will adopt one.
Load More Replies... Laura Rudgers 4 years ago
Alba is such a cutie, so beautiful! And Luca, what a beautiful soul! Rock on daddy and daughter!
Laura Rudgers 4 years ago
Alba is so cute!! She is definitely the daughter for Luca, you can see the joy and gratefulness in these photos.
Jo Choto 4 years ago (edited)
How awful that because of the way they were born, neither of them are considered “good enough” for the standard adoption process. Gay men aren’t good enough for an average child? A little girl with an extra chromosome isn’t good enough for a straight family? See how ridiculous it sounds when you say it out loud. How lovely that they have each other. THIS is what family is.
Full Name 4 years ago
They'd LOVE for a straight family to accept a special needs child. It says right in the article she was rejected by 20 families already.
Load More Replies... Karen Hann 4 years ago
I'm so glad that precious child is with someone who will love and care for her so well.
Judy Rofe 4 years ago
Flowing tears and and I'm swallowing great lumps of love. Gay, straight, black, white, human, compassionate, tenacious. You had a vision; you're determined because you deserved to be a dad no matter who you are. You're the angels in each other. Bless you and your little girl.
Evan Clemitson 4 years ago
As a father of a special needs child all I can say is AWSOME and even that doesn't come close enough.
Bridget Webb 4 years ago
They were meant for each over ,a lovely baby for a lovely man.
Load More Replies... Manjari Gupta 4 years ago
Baby girls are like heaven...all the best dear... you are the face of humanity!!
Steve Barker 4 years ago
Who wouldn't want to be her Dad? She's precious. Down kids are the absolute BEST. Cute, funny, loving, smart in a different way, and capable of ANYTHING any other kid is. Plus a great attitude and loving nature. If I weren't so old, I'd adopt a Down kid. Love 'em.!
Full Name 4 years ago
If they were capable of "ANYTHING" any other kid is, then they'd be the same as any other kid. Duh. By definition you are wrong.
Load More Replies... Monster munch 4 years ago
I don't understand why he was only able to adopt a child with a disability.
Full Name 4 years ago
Single people rarely are allowed to adopt, and I suspect it's way harder for homosexuals to adopt (which in 2019 is just f*****g weird).
Load More Replies... Naoko Yamaguchi 4 years ago
Rejected by 20 families? Why? She's so cute and good... I don't understand... Anyway, she is the happiest girl in the world, who've got the very best daddy!
Lynn Carey-Lyons 4 years ago
That is so heart warming, he must be one of the best dads on this earth! Good health and happiness to them both!xxx
Carol Roeder 4 years ago
This is an Amazing man! You can see the live they have for each other in every picture! So very heartwarming.
Harleen 4 years ago
Just like any mental illness, children with DS have levels on which they're effected - so yes, while one child may need life care in a facility, many kids with DS can be COMPLETELY NORMAL. If they're given time, patience, love and help, they're able to be like any other kid <3
Brenda Swann 4 years ago
I’m not crying. What a world this world be, if only I had a dad like this. You can see the love in his face. Bless you, bless you real good 🙏🏽
Irina Rachow 4 years ago
I wonder if her birth parents could see how precious and happy she is if it would tear their souls with regret at not keeping her. She is in the right place if she was given up due to her disability. a match meant to be. As the parent of a special-needs child my heart aches at the beauty of this post. (I love how he's petting his cat while also focusing on his daughter). Amazing.
Lyone Fein 4 years ago
God bless both of them. May they have all the goodness the world can provide.
Susann Campbell 4 years ago
You are one of the luckiest ones. You were blessed with an Angel. Ever since I was young and I would see these children I was told by my brain that these are Angels come to Earth to see how we treat each other. That extra chromosome , is from God. They are direct links to God.
Ellie Ragsdale 4 years ago
Awww these pictures are all so adorable my heart just can't take it. 😍😘💝😥
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
What a beautiful and joyful little girl, and what a beautiful family. .My sympathy for the mother who will undoubtedly forever regret her choice.
Full Name 4 years ago (edited)
The mom and dad (he was in on this too) gave the child up for it to be in a wonderful situation with someone who desperately wanted her. The choice may have come with heartache, but I think the fact the child will grow up in the best of circumstances will provide a lot of comfort (if the parents ever find out, that is).
Load More Replies... sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
A wonderful man, no question he will be a great dad, also, Alba is adorable , Bless to both !!!
Dan Pieniak 4 years ago
I nominate him for Father of the Year! Amazing to see the love in each of their faces.
Sill Marien 4 years ago
Aand of course he's gay. And can't imagine a straight guy doing it. Just can't. They are too selfish.
Full Name 4 years ago
I did not know that sexual preferences were directly related to selfishness. Thanks for enlightening me. My biologist friends will be thrilled to hear this.
Load More Replies... Ippei Shimada 4 years ago (edited)
Looks like my faith in humanity is restored. Bless them both
N. Carstensen 4 years ago
Evil Italian mom gives up daughter because she has downs syndrome!? Shame on her....I will never eat pizza anymore!
Viviane Katz 4 years ago
You might want to avoid all food - you never know which cultural group has an evil mom in their midst. Seriously, you're going to boycott a certain food because the biological mother giving up a child far outweighs the good that an adoptive father is bringing to this world???
Load More Replies... Georgia Valentine 4 years ago
You don't know her story, or if she's even alive. Stop
Load More Replies... Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
Judging by this comment and others you've made, I would say that it is YOU who is defective. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Load More Replies...
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