Single Dad Adopts Girl With Down Syndrome Who Was Denied By Twenty Families

Sep 20, 2019

Around the world, countless children are in foster care and orphanages, waiting to find their forever homes. Too often, children who are legally up for adoption will remain in care until they age out and are left to navigate the adult world without any family at their side. This seemed like it might be the case for a little girl named Alba who was born with Down syndrome and rejected by both her mother and 20 families.

It was 2017 when Luca Trapanese, a single man in Italy, took on the responsibility of adopting Alba and becoming her father. At the time, the little girl was only 13 days old; however, she had already been rejected by her mother and passed up by 20 potential adoptive families who didn’t want to take on her problems.

Luca, who is gay, decided to share his adoption journey in a book that he has recently written, explaining the way that his story has shattered stereotypes and is changing the way that people look at families. Adopting children is usually very complicated for single parents and homosexual parents in Italy.

Luca was no stranger to special needs since he had experience working in care centers where he helped those struggling with issues just like Alba. Despite knowing the tremendous responsibility that comes along with Down syndrome, Luca wasn’t worried about Alba’s diagnosis and was convinced that they would make the perfect family. Luca points out that having children has been one of his life-long dreams, and we’re sure that Alba is happy that he decided to pursue that goal!

Look at the vast array of pictures that Luca shares on his social media accounts, it looks like he and little Alba share a close bond and have a lot of fun together! From eating out together to snuggling, the dad and daughter certainly do appreciate one another’s company.

Despite the difficulties that she faces, Alba is, according to the BBC, a very determined little two-year-old who can sometimes be hard-headed. She loves people and enjoys dancing and playing. We’re so glad that Alba had such a happy ending to her story and that Luca was given the opportunity to be a dad! You can see his story in this video:

Do you have an adoption story that shows how families can be different and still help each other? Share your story below and then invite your friends to also read up about Luca and his adoption journey. Perhaps we can all consider opening our hearts to one of these precious little children who so desperately need a home!