The couple Patrícia and Priscila adopted a baby diagnosed with cerebral palsy and share what this journey has been like

This year, Mother’s Day was celebrated on May 11. More than just a date on the calendar, it’s a time to give thanks for every gesture, sacrifice, and expression of love that shapes who we are. It’s also a moment to honor the one who gave us life, comfort, advice — and the purest love in the world. A mother is synonymous with strength, affection, care, and dedication.

In celebration of the occasion, Coluna da Neuza once again interviewed the couple Patrícia and Priscila. But why them? Because they are a same-sex couple who, with courage and love, adopted a baby diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Coluna da Neuza: As mothers, what kind of care do you provide for Rafael, and how has your routine changed since his arrival?

Patrícia: Everything has changed, especially in terms of schedules. Before, our days off were for resting, sleeping in, taking care of personal matters. Now, our entire routine revolves around Rafael’s therapies and physiotherapy sessions— that’s the priority.

Priscila: The truth is: everything now comes after taking care of him. He has appointments almost every day at Obra Social Dona Meca and the Rede Sarah. The demands are high, but love overcomes everything. Being a mother means understanding that perfection doesn’t matter.

Coluna da Neuza: Do you have a support network to help with Rafael’s needs?

Patrícia: Yes, an amazing network. Our family has always supported us and never criticized our decision to adopt Rafael. He is our son forever, no matter what.

This network includes the Sarah Network, Obra Social Dona Meca, friends who care for him lovingly when it’s raining and we can’t take him to therapy; Débora, one of his godmothers, who is our right hand; and Tatiana, who is also a huge support to us.

Coluna da Neuza: What has Rafael taught you?

Patrícia: That love conquers all. Because of our love for him, we’ve become very different people from who we were before he arrived.

Coluna da Neuza: What is your greatest certainty today?

Patrícia: Rafael. He shows me every day that miracles exist, and that God doesn’t make mistakes when giving you a child. If I waited so many years to become a mother, it’s because my son hadn’t been born yet.

Not every child in care is available for adoption. The waiting was part of the process for everything to work out and for Rafael to come into our home.

Coluna da Neuza: What warms your hearts and brings smiles when it comes to his development?

Patrícia: We remember clearly when we picked him up—he barely moved, his little hands were always clenched, his eyes were crossed, and he couldn’t even turn his head when we called him.

Today, seeing him with open hands, sitting up, crawling… it’s so emotional. God’s care and our care, as mothers, are evident. The therapies make all the difference. Only those who saw Rafael in the beginning truly understand what we’re talking about. Every little milestone is a huge joy!

Coluna da Neuza: What are your dreams for Rafael?

Priscila: We dream that he’ll be able to walk, talk, be respected, and not face exclusion. But above all, we dream of living long enough to see him grow up and become an adult.

“Motherhood begins in the heart of those who choose to love”

Rafael Migliano was adopted at one year and one month old and will turn three on May 28. During physical therapy, he was also diagnosed with epilepsy and is now undergoing treatment.

His health condition, however, was not an obstacle—on the contrary, it strengthened the family’s bond even more. “I never imagined myself giving birth to a child. I never wanted that. I always wanted to build a family and always knew I would be the mother of a boy. That was a certainty in my heart.”

“Today, with Rafael, I feel fulfilled. I can’t imagine my life without him anymore. I don’t even remember how things were before. He changed everything and teaches me every day to be a better person,” says Priscila.

Patrícia emphasizes that motherhood goes beyond biology and leaves a message for those considering adopting a child with a disability:

“Motherhood doesn’t begin in the body, but in the heart of those who choose to love. If you’re afraid of adopting a child with health issues, I want to tell you: a diagnosis is not a sentence. Love heals. It healed Rafael, it healed Priscila, and it healed me. Today, we are a happy family.”

Facing prejudice

Regarding prejudice, Priscila shared that the family has already received looks and comments like: “Where’s the dad?”, “Wow, his skin color is different from yours”, or “He’s so big and still being carried?”.

They’ve also noticed different treatment because of Rafael’s disability and the fact that they are a lesbian couple. That’s why they fight every day to prepare their son for the world he will face.

Moreover, they don’t know if he will ever walk or talk—but the one thing they are certain of is that they will be by his side, to push his wheelchair, to be his voice when he can’t express himself.

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