Not long ago, a little girl named Alba faced a difficult start in life. Born with Down Syndrome, she was abandoned by her biological mother. After being turned down by twenty adoptive families, her future looked uncertain. That was until Luca Trapanese came into her life, changing both their destinies forever.

The future father faced many obstacles from the start.

Luca, who had recently ended a serious relationship, felt a void in his life that he believed only a child could fill. Despite the societal challenges of being a single, gay man in Italy, where surrogacy is illegal and same-sex partners can’t co-adopt, Luca’s desire to be a father was undeterred. He was willing to adopt a child with special needs like Alba.

Their meeting felt like destiny. By the time Luca learned about Alba, many families had rejected her due to her condition. In July 2017, Luca made the decision that would bring them together: he decided to adopt her. From that moment, Luca and Alba became inseparable.

Luca was destined to be Alba’s father.

Luca always dreamed of fatherhood and embraced every aspect of it with Alba. He often shares on Instagram how life with Alba revolves around their little, joyful moments. His bio proudly states, “I am a single father in love with his daughter.”

Now seven years old, Alba’s life with Luca is filled with love and laughter. Luca sees fatherhood as his most important role in life, often saying in interviews, “I am made to be a father!” He is deeply committed to Alba’s growth and happiness, placing her needs above all else.

This father and daughter’s life is never dull.

Their days are filled with activities they both enjoy, like dancing and singing, with Luca boasting that Alba is a natural star. They celebrate each new milestone vigorously; Luca fondly recalls the overwhelming joy he felt when Alba first called him “Dad” and when she took her first steps.

Luca understands that milestones like these are especially significant for children with Down Syndrome. He is determined to support Alba in every challenge, advocating for her right to be seen first and foremost as a person, beyond her disability.