In 1977, 3-month-old Amanda Scarpinati suffered severe burns after falling into a humidifier and was rushed to Albany Medical Center. A black-and-white photo captured a young nurse gently cradling her, bringing Amanda comfort through years of painful surgeries and bullying.
Haunted by the memory and touched by the nurse’s kindness, Amanda clung to the photo, hoping one day to find her. After searching for 20 years with no luck, she posted the photo on Facebook—and it went viral.
The next day, a former hospital staffer recognized the nurse as Susan Berger, then 21 and fresh out of college. Susan had also saved the photo and never forgot Amanda.
After 38 years, the two shared an emotional reunion. Susan said she felt honored to be remembered and to represent all the nurses who cared for Amanda.