A Photo, a Nurse, and a 38-Year Search for a Guardian Angel
For nearly four decades, Amanda Scarpinati held on tightly to a single black-and-white photo—one that meant everything to her. In the picture, taken in 1977 at Albany Medical Center in New York, a young nurse gently cradles baby Amanda, who’s wrapped in gauze and recovering from severe third-degree burns after falling onto a hot-steam humidifier at just 3 months old.
The nurse’s expression is serene and comforting—a rare moment of calm for a baby in pain.
Over the years, Amanda would undergo countless reconstructive surgeries and face cruel bullying from classmates because of her scars. But that photo remained her anchor. Every time she felt broken or discouraged, she looked at it—and at the nurse who showed her tenderness when she needed it most. Amanda never knew her name, but she never stopped thinking about her.
For two decades, Amanda tried to find the nurse who held her that day—with no success. Eventually, in a last-ditch effort, she turned to social media.
And then, the miracle happened.
Amanda posted the photo to Facebook with a simple message: “I would love to know her name and possibly get a chance to talk to her and meet her. Please share, as you never know who it could reach.”
The response was overwhelming. The post went viral almost instantly.
By the next day, Amanda had the answer she had been searching for. A former nurse at Albany Medical Center, Angela Leary, recognized the woman in the photo. It was her former colleague, Susan Berger. Back in 1977, Susan had just graduated from college and was only 21 years old. And she remembered Amanda. In fact, she had kept her own copies of those same photos.
“I remember her,” Susan said. “She was so peaceful. Most babies coming out of surgery are crying or groggy, but Amanda was calm and trusting. It left an impression on me.”
Soon after, Amanda and Susan met face to face for the first time in nearly 40 years. Their reunion was emotional—filled with tears, hugs, and heartfelt gratitude.
“I don’t think many nurses get to have a moment like this—being remembered after all those years,” Susan said. “I’m truly honored to stand in for all the nurses who helped care for Amanda.”
Amanda’s story is a powerful reminder of how a single act of compassion can echo through a lifetime—and how one photo, and one nurse’s gentle embrace, can leave a mark on a soul forever.
