Like many parents, Luca Trapanese has been documenting everyday adventures with his daughter Alba for some time on social media. But unlike most parents, he's amassed a loyal following of more than 180K Instagram users — who are all captivated by his warm-hearted posts, as well as the touching story behind how he came to be called "Dad."
Despite being single, Trapanese was granted custody of Alba when she was just 13 days old in 2017, and began the process of adopting her.
By then, the little girl, who has Down syndrome, had been placed for adoption by her mother because of her medical challenges. She'd also been rejected by more than 20 different families. But when Trapanese heard her story, the thought of her going unloved was just too heartbreaking for him to bear.
So, Trapanese set out to give her a home and a family — even if that was just a family of one.
In the process, he's become something of a social media star in Italy, where he's challenging stereotypes in a country where single dads — especially single gay dads — are not the norm. And he's more than happy to carry that torch.
“When I first held her in my arms, I was overcome with joy," Trapanese told the Sun.
“I felt she was my daughter straight away," he continued. "It was the first time I held a newborn baby. Before that moment, I have always been scared. But, when I first held Alba, I knew I was ready to be her dad.”
Trapanese may not have been an official father before he adopted Alba, but he wasn't exactly a stranger to being a father-figure.
The Sun reports that the 41-year-old, who is from Naples, Italy, has worked with children with disabilities since he was a teenager, and even established his own charity in 2007 that helps such kids socialize and develop their talents.
Needless to say, he took to it right away.
“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," Trapanese told the BBC.
On Instagram, where he's amassed an impressive following, the father shares snapshots from everyday life — from hugs with Alba to reading stories to little moments of laughter.
Although many people continue to praise his kind-hearted nature, Trapanese says it's Alba who has changed him.
He has said she has "revolutionized" his life, and "everything revolves around her."
"She brought me happiness and a sense of fulfillment," he continued. "I am proud to be her dad. I wanted her to be my daughter."
