(Barnegat, NJ) — Jennifer Severin of Barnegat is turning loss into purpose by leading “Team Big Mike” at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Sanctioned Race on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in New Providence. The team was created to honor the life and legacy of her husband, Michael J. Severin, who helped save the lives of others as an organ donor.
Affectionately called ‘Big Mike’ by those who knew him, Michael was only 37 when he tragically passed away after a motor vehicle accident in February 2020. While his loss was devastating for his family, Jennifer says his legacy continues to shine through the precious gift of life he passed on to others.
“Michael was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone,” said Jennifer. “He was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and someone who truly loved life. Knowing that he was able to help others through organ donation brings us comfort and gives us a reason to keep sharing his story.”
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Michael was born in Point Pleasant and raised in Brick before setling in Barnegat with Jennifer and their daughters, Liliana and Adalina. He worked for the Ocean County Utilities Authority and was actively involved in his union and the Free Masons. He had a deep passion for hunting and the outdoors, but above all else, his family was his world.
“Michael loved being a dad more than anything,” Jennifer added. “He was always making memories with our girls, always making people laugh, and always putting others first. That’s exactly how we want him to be remembered.”
Through “Team Big Mike,” Jennifer and a large circle of family and friends come together to celebrate Michael’s life and raise awareness about the lifesaving power of organ and tissue donation.
“NJ Sharing Network’s 5K is something we look forward to because it’s not just about remembering Michael — it’s about honoring the gift of life,” said Jennifer. “Seeing so many families come together, all with their own stories, is incredibly powerful. It reminds us that even in loss, there is hope.”
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Sanctioned Race will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at NJ Sharing Network headquarters in New Providence, NJ. The event is one of the Garden State’s largest and most recognized charitable 5K events, bringing together thousands of participants to honor the gift of life and support the Sharing Network Foundation. To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to register as a donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO #1 – Michael Severin (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #2 – Jennifer and Michael Severin with their daughters, Liliana and Adalina (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO #3 – Michael Severin with his daughters, Liliana and Adalina (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
