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

Leeanna Patto leaves behind a newborn baby boy and a 7-year-old son, Jaxon.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A 28-year-old Lindenhurst, New York mother, Leeanna Patto, died on January 30th after suffering severe medical complications related to pre-existing conditions shortly after giving birth to a newborn boy. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Patto's friends to support her 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 two children.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Leeanna Patto highlights the risks and challenges that some mothers face during and after childbirth, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions. The outpouring of support from Patto's community reflects the importance of coming together to assist families during these difficult times.

The details

Patto was treated at Stony Brook University Hospital, where her loved ones learned she was an organ donor - a decision they said reflected her generosity. 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. Patto's friends described her as outspoken, fiercely loyal, and having a heart of gold, with a love for music, adventure, and being around people.

  • Leeanna Patto died on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Patto signed up to be an organ donor on Friday night at midnight, just before her passing.

The players

Leeanna Patto

A 28-year-old Lindenhurst, New York mother who died after suffering severe medical complications related to pre-existing conditions shortly after giving birth to a newborn boy.

Cynthia Schmidt

A longtime friend and Lindenhurst native who organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Patto's family.

Jenny Caselli

A longtime friend and Lindenhurst native who organized a GoFundMe campaign to support Patto's family.

Lisa and Rocco

Leeanna Patto's parents, who are now preparing to bring the newborn home and care for Patto's 7-year-old son, Jaxon.

Jaxon

Leeanna Patto's 7-year-old son.

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What they’re saying

“She also had the biggest heart, and I'm so proud that she was an organ donor, because that's who she was. 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.”

— Jenny Caselli, Leeanna Patto's friend

“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 OR. 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.”

— Cynthia Schmidt, Leeanna Patto's best friend

“Lisa had the door open for anybody who would want to come into her house, no questions asked. 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 definitely the house to go to.”

— Jenny Caselli, Leeanna Patto's friend

What’s next

The family is currently preparing to bring Leeanna Patto's newborn son home and care for her 7-year-old son, Jaxon, as they grieve her passing.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Leeanna Patto at just 28 years old underscores the importance of supporting mothers and families during and after childbirth, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions. Patto's generosity in becoming an organ donor and the outpouring of support from her tight-knit community in Lindenhurst reflect the power of community in times of crisis.