For nearly her entire life, Amanda Scarpinati held onto a single black-and-white photo—one that meant everything to her. In it, a young nurse gently cradles baby Amanda, her tiny body wrapped in gauze after a traumatic accident. The photo was taken in 1977 at Albany Medical Center in New York, just after Amanda, only 3 months old at the time, had rolled off a couch and into a hot-steam humidifier, suffering severe third-degree burns.
The image captured something rare: a moment of peace and compassion in the middle of immense pain.
Growing up, Amanda endured dozens of painful reconstructive surgeries and was often bullied at school because of her scars. But through it all, she found comfort in that photo—the nurse’s calm face and caring embrace gave her strength, even though she had no idea who the woman was.
For two decades, Amanda tried to track her down—with no luck. Then, in a last-ditch effort, she turned to Facebook.
And that’s when everything changed.
Amanda shared the photo and wrote: “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 post went viral.
Within 24 hours, Amanda had her answer. A former nurse at Albany Medical Center, Angela Leary, saw the photo and immediately recognized her former colleague—Susan Berger. Susan had been just 21 at the time, fresh out of nursing school. Not only did she remember Amanda, but she had also kept copies of the very same pictures.
“I remember her,” Susan said. “She was so calm. Most babies coming out of surgery are crying or groggy, but Amanda was peaceful and trusting. That always stayed with me.”
Not long after, Amanda and Susan were reunited in person for the first time in nearly 40 years. Their meeting was filled with hugs, tears, and heartfelt gratitude.
“I don’t know how many nurses get to have an experience like this—being remembered after so many years,” Susan said. “It’s an honor to represent all the nurses who cared for Amanda over the years.”
Amanda’s journey is a powerful reminder of how one act of kindness—one moment of compassion—can leave a lasting impact.
If this story moved you, share it. Every day, nurses across the country show up for their patients in incredible ways. They’re not just caregivers. They’re heroes.
