A young girl’s life changed after being rejected by her mother and 20 adoptive families.

Luca Trapanese, a 41-year-old single gay man from Italy, adopted baby Alba, a girl with Down syndrome—an uncommon decision in a system that rarely grants custody to single or homosexual parents. Despite being told he might only receive a child with severe disabilities, Luca welcomed Alba when she was just 13 days old.

Having worked with people with special needs and inspired by personal loss, Luca always wanted to be a father. When he first held Alba, he knew instantly she was his daughter.

Today, Alba is a joyful, determined child who loves to play and dance, and the two share a happy life together—proving that love can break stereotypes about family.