Single Dad Adopts Baby Girl With Down Syndrome After 20 Families Rejected Her

Updated September 4, 2021

There are so many deserving children with different personalities and stories who are waiting to find a family to give them a second chance at a happy life.

Unfortunately, some of those children are judged for their differences rather than being loved for exactly who they are.

One man is not only challenging the stigma that he faces as a single father, but also the stigma his adopted daughter faces as a child with down syndrome. We can't help falling in love with this story of what it means to be a true family.

The man was discouraged from adopting a child.

As Bored Panda reported, back in 2017, 41-year-old Luca Trapanese wanted to an adopt a baby, but in his country of Italy, it was frowned upon by social services to allow a single gay man adopt a child.

They would only allow him to adopt a baby with an illness, severe disability, or behavioral problems, as these children usually have a harder time being adopted.

Trapanese wouldn't let anyone stop him for bringing home his baby girl.

He was hardly deterred from adopting by Italian social services.

When he heard there was a baby girl who was only 13- days-old with down syndrome, he wanted to be her father immediately. He had worked with many people with special needs in care centers since he was 14 and knew that he could give baby Alba everything she needed and more.

By that point, Alba had already been rejected by 20 families.

It's certainly heartbreaking to learn this baby was first rejected by her mother because of her down syndrome, and then another 20 potential adoptive families due to her condition as well, proving that there continues to be unjust stigmas and ableism when it comes to adoption and beyond.

But fortunately, Trapanese loves Alba for exactly who she is and knew she was the perfect girl for him.

As he told the BBC, “When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away."

Nearly four years later, both Trapanese and baby Alba are defying all the odds against them.

The pair enjoy spending quality time together, particularly while dancing and singing.

“I am made to be a father!” Trapanese told The Dad. “I really like to dedicate myself to Alba and her life. I feel very happy."

Together this little family has achieve so many wonderful and heartwarming milestones.

“Surely the most exciting moment was both when Alba called me ‘Dad’ and when she walked for the first time meeting me," Trapanese said.

While their life together has certainly has its joys, Trapanese admitted it also comes with some struggles, particularly surrounding society's understanding of his little girl.

"My greatest struggle is to make others understand that Alba is above all a person, and needs to be considered for all her needs," he explained. "We must fight against mental barriers and against exclusion."

While this doting dad and daughter may encounter some unique obstacles down the road, it's quite very clear that they are leading with love.

Let us know what you think of this story in the comments and if you feel moved by this story of authentic love.

h/t: Bored Panda, BBC

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