All heroes may not wear capes, but they do have one thing in common: a big heart.
Luca Trapanese, a 41-year-old man from Italy, has always wanted to be a father.
It was a dream that he and his partner wanted to share together.
However, when he and his partner split up, that dream didn’t leave with him.
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Trapanese and his partner both agreed to adopt a disabled child. But as a single man, he wasn’t able to adopt a child at the time.
Things changed in 2017 when he was finally able to apply to adopt.
He was told that he would only be able to adopt a child with “problems” such as disabilities, behavioral problems, or an illness.
“A child that had been rejected by all other traditional families,” Trapanese clarified.
Of course, Trapanese was fine with these guidelines.
He also ensured to mention that he had experience with the type of children listed.
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Within the same year, Trapanese received a call that there was a 13-day-old girl with Down’s Syndrome named Alba who needed a home.
Her mother abandoned her at the hospital.
Alba had also been rejected by over 20 families.
“I struggled to contain my joy. I immediately said yes,” Trapanese shared.
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Trapanese had never held a newborn before, but when he did, he knew immediately that it was a perfect match.
“I knew I was ready to be her dad.”
Not wanting to be overwhelmed with parenting advice, Trapanese took baby Alba to his family house in the country to bond with her.
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Trapanese realized early on that Alba had a strong personality, just like himself.
He also noticed that she enjoyed being with other people, so he took her for walks in the park, the museum, and even his job at times.
Trapanese’s passion for helping disabled and ill children began at a young age.
His childhood friend, Diego, passed away from cancer.
Trapanese vowed that he would be there for him whenever he was needed.
He was by his side every day.
After Diego’s death, Trapanese began volunteering at a church in Naples to help critically ill people and kids with disabilities.
Trapanese fell in love with the experience.
Eventually, he and his partner began a charity helping those with disabilities.
His past led him to the joy that is Alba.
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“Alba completely revolutionized my life,” he said. “She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment.”
Trapanese wrote a book detailing his experience as a single, gay father of a special needs child.
The book is called, Nata per te (Born for You).
It has already sold 10,000 copies in Italy.
Since then, he’s gained popularity.
He’s been invited to speak on television talk shows and public debates.
“This is nothing but our life’s story,” Trapanese says in response to those who don’t agree with gay people adopting children.
“I think mine and Alba’s story shatters so many stereotypes about fatherhood, religion, and family.”
Trapanese’s focus is solely on his top priority: Alba.
He tries to be the best father he can be and looks forward to their future together.
Although more than 20 families passed on the opportunity to have Alba as their daughter, Trapanese couldn’t imagine her going to anyone else.
