Lindenhurst Mom, 28, Dies Following Childbirth; GoFundMe Launched For Family

LINDENHURST, NY — The Lindenhurst community is rallying around the family of Leeanna Patto, a 28-year-old mother whose friends said died Friday, Jan. 30, after suffering severe medical complications related to pre-existing conditions shortly after giving birth to a newborn boy.

A GoFundMe organized by longtime friends and Lindenhurst natives Cynthia Schmidt and Jenny Caselli aims to support Patto’s family with expenses related to the crisis, including medical costs, time off work, travel, and other needs as relatives prepare to care for Patto’s children. Patto leaves behind a newborn baby boy and a 7-year-old son, Jaxon.

Patto was treated at Stony Brook University Hospital, where her loved ones ultimately learned she was an organ donor — a decision they said reflected her generosity. Schmidt said the hospital held a “walk of honor” for Patto, a ceremony in which hospital staff line the hallways as an organ donor is transported from the ICU to the operating room to honor the patient’s decision and support the family.

Caselli, 30, had been close with Patto since their school years and remembered her as outspoken and fiercely loyal, adding that same spirit showed in her final act of giving.

“She had the biggest heart, and I’m so proud that she was an organ donor, because that’s who she was,” Caselli said to Patch. “She was tough on the outside, selfless on the inside, and she will always be one of my best friends. I know she’s somewhere telling us to stop crying and be tough enough, because that’s exactly how she was.”

Schmidt, 30, said Patto had been her best friend for 15 years and described the last week as devastating and disorienting for those closest to her.

“We found out through all this that she signed up to be an organ donor Friday night at midnight, so we walked her to the [operating room],” Schmidt said to Patch. “She was my best, best friend. Her parents are like my parents. They took me in because I don’t really have a big family. So she’s been like my sister for 15 years.”

In the days since Patto’s death, friends said the focus has shifted to helping her parents, Lisa and Rocco, prepare to bring the newborn home while also caring for Jaxon.

Schmidt said the family has been taking things moment by moment as they grieve and plan for what comes next. She added that the family’s deep roots in the Lindenhurst community — including neighborhood watch involvement, community events, launching the original “Eyes on Lindy” Facebook group, and opening their home to others over the years — make the outpouring of support especially personal.

“Lisa and Rocco have done so much for the Lindenhurst community for years,” Schmidt said. “Their home was always full of all of us, and they never turned anybody away. From neighborhood watch to Trunk or Treat, their house was never empty. They’re getting ready to bring the baby home, and we’re still processing everything that happened. On top of that, they have her seven-year-old.”

Caselli said the Patto home was where friends felt welcome, safe, and cared for, describing Patto’s mother as someone who helped countless kids feel like they always had somewhere to go.

“Lisa had the door open for anybody who would want to come into her house, no questions asked,” Caselli said. “Just sit on the couch, and you could relax. If you ever had to go somewhere or you just needed time for yourself, that was the house to go to.”

Patto’s friends said she was known for her humor and energy and for living with a carefree spirit. Schmidt described her as “wild” and “carefree,” but also deeply giving to the people she loved.

“She had a heart of gold,” Schmidt said. “She loved music, she loved to go on adventures, and she loved to be around people.”

Schmidt said Patto once explained why she wanted to be an organ donor in a way that now feels especially meaningful to those mourning her.

“Leeanna had said she wanted people to have a piece of her,” Schmidt said.

Those interested can visit the GoFundMe campaign, which is active now, and organizers said that for those who cannot donate, sharing the fundraiser is also a meaningful way to help. The family said Patto will be cremated.