According to the latest information from the US Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 437,000 children are available for adoption in the United States on any given day. Among those kids are some with special needs, including kids with Down syndrome.
What is Down syndrome?
Named after an English doctor by the name of John Langdon Down, this is a genetic disorder whereby an individual has not two copies of chromosome 21 but three. As a result, people with Down syndrome have unique facial features. They’re also developmentally and intellectually delayed.
Smarter than you think
Just because kids with Down syndrome are delayed doesn’t mean they’re dumb. Quite the opposite. These children are incredibly insightful, meaning they understand and can do more than what a lot of people give them credit for.
Given up for adoption
Just days after birth, one baby’s mom gave her up for adoption because she had this genetic condition. No one is here to judge her, as that had to be a difficult decision. Ultimately, this mother’s sacrifice turned into something beautiful.
Passed over time and time again
Although this precious baby was absolutely adorable, she’d been offered to 20 families interested in adopting. But due to her having Down syndrome, they all said no. Well, that changed when she was only 13 days old.
A perfect dad
That’s when Luca Trapanese from Naples Italy stepped up to the plate. He immediately fell in love with this girl. So, in 2017, he completed the adoption process and brought his daughter home whom he’d named Alba.
Many people were surprised
After all, Luca was 41 years old, single, catholic, and gay. But he was up for the challenge of raising a daughter with special needs. As he stated, he’s “proud to be her dad.”
An ideal match
It wasn’t just that Luca fell in love with Alba but he also had what it took to raise her. You see, he had experience working with children that have disabilities. He’d been in this line of work for many years. In 2007, he even founded a charity that helps these kids to better socialize with their peers.
Meeting his daughter
In a recent interview, Luca explained what it was like the first time he held Alba. “I was overcome with joy. I felt she was my daughter straight away. It was the first time I held a newborn baby.” He continued, “When I first held Alba, I knew I was ready to be her dad.”
A fantastic journey
Fortunately for millions of people around the world, Luca sets an example. He’s also selflessly shared he and Alba’s story through Instagram. In looking at all the photos, there’s no denying these two share a special bond.
A beautiful life
Today, thanks to Luca, Alba is living a happy and healthy life. Every day is a new experience while feeling safe in the arms of her dad. She’s a gorgeous little girl who never stops smiling.
Not only has this story inspired a lot of other people, especially those who want to adopt, but it’s also shown that the other 20 families lost out. Okay, so maybe they weren’t a good fit but they didn’t even give Alba a chance. Luca did and he’s thrilled and honored to have her call him, “daddy.”
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Source: Vt, Global Down Syndrome Foundation
