A grieving Chester family who lost a 21-year-old mother the day after she gave birth is expressing thanks to News 12 viewers who donated thousands of dollars to help the little girl she left behind.

"We appreciate everyone who gave, and it was really heartwarming that perfect strangers would give to this after hearing Alyssa's story, and I credit News 12 for getting the story out there," says Tony Ferrara, of Monroe.

MORE: 21-year-old Chester mom dies after having C-section

Ferrara, a family friend, says that since News 12's story ran last week about 21-year-old Alyssa Tocyloski's seemingly sudden death at Garnet Medical Center in Wallkill, more than $12,000 has been raised. The money will help the Chester woman's baby, boyfriend and parents – who are now caring for her little girl.

Ferrara says Tocyloski, a Monroe-Woodbury graduate, was healthy and seemingly fine after a C-section earlier this month - until she stood up the next day and collapsed.

Autopsy results are still pending, but loved ones say the support shown by complete strangers are helping them heal and care for the beautiful baby girl Tocyloski unexpectedly left behind.

Garnet Health has not returned News 12's calls seeking comment.