A man who has volunteered to help those with special needs since the age of 14, revealed the joy of adopting a child that had been rejected by others because of her health condition.
Luca Trapanese, 41, from Naples, Italy, who adopted his daughter, Alba, when she was just 13-days-old has gained thousands of followers on Instagram from sharing their lives together.
Alba was given up for adoption by her mother because she has Down’s syndrome, and 20 families also rejected her due to the condition before Luca came along.
‘When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away,’ he told Bored Panda.
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Luca Trapanese, 41, from Italy, has gained thousands of followers across social media from documenting his life with his adopted daughter Alba (pictured together at home with their cat Giorgio)
Luca (pictured with Alba at the beach in July) who has volunteered to help those with disabilities since the age of 14, claims he was told as a single, homosexual man he could only adopt a child with health or behavioral problems
The 41-year-old believes his experience of working with people who have disabilities gave him the right knowledge and experience to adopt Alba, the pair pictured playing together at home earlier this month
Luca who has volunteered and worked with disabled people since his early teens, claims he was told that he could only adopt a child with health or behavioural problems.
The singleton had always wanted to be a father but was aware that social services in Italy don’t usually grant custody to single, homosexual men.
He had a lengthy process before becoming a proud father who is now challenging the perception of parenting as a single dad.
He continued: ‘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.’
However, Luca admits he was frightened to hold a newborn baby before connecting with Alba.
‘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,’ he added.
Luca adopted Alba (pictured being fed for one of the first times) when she was just 13-days old, she was given up for adoption by her mother because she has Down’s Syndrome
Luca revealed he’s proud to be Alba’s father and adopting her has given him a sense of fulfillment, the pair pictured together at home as they get ready for bed
Alba (pictured on holiday with Luca) was rejected by 20 potential families because she has Down’s Syndrome
Luca (pictured on a day out with Alba) knew that Alba was his daughter the moment he held her, in July 2017
Luca (pictured with Alba as a baby) revealed that his life now revolves around his daughter and he’s gained a new sense of fulfilment
Luca has used social media (pictured) to raise awareness of the challenges children with disabilities experience in the care system
Speaking about how the adoption changed his life, he revealed that everything he does now revolves around her.
He said: ‘She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment. I am proud to be her dad. I wanted her to be my daughter.’
Luca now boast over 130,000 followers on Instagram, receiving a flood of praise from those who’ve been inspired by his selfless love.
Recently one wrote: ‘You’re an inspiration to man kind!! Honestly there should be more men like you’
Another said: ‘I love your unconditional love, you are an example of humanity’
A third added: ‘You’re an AMAZING man!! God will bless you for giving this chance to such a beautiful baby girl! #FatherOfTheYear’
The 41-year-old (pictured together at the National Museum of Capodimonte) has gained a legion of followers on social media since he began documenting his life with Alba
A stream of responses on Luca’s recent Instagram posts are from those praising him for adopting Alba and being a good example to other men
