An Italian man named Luca Trapanese has been concerned in social service packages ever since he was a young person.
So, when he held Alba, a child lady born with Down syndrome who wanted a household, he knew in his coronary heart that he needed to be her father.
From the second she was born, Alba confronted troublesome circumstances. Her mom rejected her as a result of she had Down syndrome, and when she was put up for adoption, a minimum of 20 households handed up the chance to undertake her—till Luca got here alongside.
The blonde-haired youngster’s life modified when Luca adopted her after different households determined they weren’t prepared to lift a child along with her situation.
Luca had spent years serving to youngsters with disabilities
Luca had years of expertise volunteering in social service packages by way of organizations he joined when he was younger, together with the “A Ruota Libera” Basis, which offers help to youngsters with Down syndrome.
“Since I used to be 14 years outdated, I’ve volunteered and labored with the disabled, so I felt I had the fitting information and expertise to do it,” he stated.
He was decided to present Alba a household
Even along with his expertise, finalizing adoption was not simple. Adoption companies favor “conventional” households over these that don’t conform to the particular traits of a standard household.
This made issues tougher for Luca, a gay man who had turn into single after an 11-year-long relationship. Nonetheless, he was decided to undertake a youngster with a incapacity, even when it meant turning into a father on his personal.
“For me, a disabled youngster will not be a second-choice answer, however a aware alternative with respect to my vocation and my talents,” he stated.
Luca finally succeeded in adopting Alba, and the 2 started constructing a life collectively.
Alba’s life was crammed with new potentialities
Fortuitously, individuals with Down syndrome dwell higher lives now than they did many years in the past. Medical information in regards to the situation wasn’t extensively current again then, so infants born with the situation have been anticipated to face quite a few well being issues and have brief life spans.
Right now, individuals with Down syndrome can dwell wholesome lives, work, construct households of their very own, and convey pleasure to the individuals round them.
In actual fact, in accordance with a research revealed by the American Journal of Medical Genetics, households who dwell with individuals with Down syndrome have very excessive happiness charges.
Luca’s expertise with Alba has given him loads of causes to know happiness firsthand. And because the years handed, their story reached far past the house they shared.
Alba and Luca grew to become advocates for inclusion
In 2023, Alba and her father grew to become Italian ambassadors for Mattel’s first Barbie with Down syndrome. The milestone allowed Alba to see herself represented in a toy designed to have a good time better inclusion.
Because the years handed, Luca’s life additionally continued to evolve. In November 2025, he grew to become a regional councilor in Campania, persevering with his dedication to social service and serving to others.
Then, in February 2026, Luca spoke about their life collectively on Verissimo, calling Alba “probably the most lovely reward of my life.”
Father and daughter proceed their journey collectively
Years after Luca first held Alba, she continues to develop up along with her father, who was decided to present her the loving dwelling she deserved. What started with one man opening his coronary heart to a baby who had been rejected by so many households has grown right into a story of household, love, and belonging.
Be sure you examine Luca’s Instagram web page and his web site to comply with this wonderful duo’s journey and watch the brand new video from the great duo under!
