She didn't know the woman's name. She didn't know if she was still alive. But for over two decades, a single black-and-white photograph gave her comfort on her hardest days.
The Accident
In 1977, 3-month-old Amanda Scarpinati fell from a couch into a hot-steam humidifier, suffering third-degree burns. She was rushed to Albany Medical Center in New York, where she underwent treatment and was cared for by a nurse who was photographed cradling her, gauze wrapped around her small head.
Growing Up With the Photo
Amanda underwent multiple surgeries as she grew up and faced significant bullying from classmates because of the scarring left by her injuries. She has said that on difficult days, she would return to the photo of the nurse, finding comfort in the evident care in the woman's expression even though she didn't know her name.
A Decades-Long Search
Amanda spent more than 20 years hoping to identify and eventually meet the nurse from the photograph, eventually turning to social media as what she considered a last effort to find her.
A Reunion
The social media search succeeded, and Amanda was ultimately able to identify and meet the nurse who had cared for her as an infant, closing a chapter she had carried with her for most of her life.
FAQ
What caused Amanda Scarpinati's injuries?
She fell into a hot-steam humidifier as an infant in 1977, suffering third-degree burns.
How long did Amanda search for the nurse?
Over 20 years, before ultimately finding her through a social media appeal.
Why did the photo matter so much to her?
She drew comfort from it during difficult periods, including childhood bullying related to her scarring, even without knowing the nurse's identity.