OCEAN COUNTY – Jennifer Severin of Barnegat is channeling grief into action as she leads “Team Big Mike” in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Sanctioned Race on June 7.
The team was formed in memory of her husband, Michael J. Severin, who became an organ donor after his death following a motor vehicle crash in February 2020. He was 37.
Known to family and friends as “Big Mike,” Severin left behind a legacy that continues through the lives he helped save. His wife said organ donation has brought comfort to their family while giving them a way to keep his story alive.
“Michael was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone,” Jennifer Severin said. “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.”
Michael Severin was born in Point Pleasant, grew up in Brick and later made his home in Barnegat with his wife and their daughters, Liliana and Adalina. He worked for the Ocean County Utilities Authority and was active in his union and the Free Masons.
He also enjoyed hunting and spending time outdoors, but his family said being a father was the most important part of his life.
“Michael loved being a dad more than anything,” Jennifer Severin said. “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, relatives and friends will gather to celebrate his life while raising awareness about the need for organ and tissue donors.
“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,” Jennifer Severin added. “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 at the organization’s headquarters in New Providence. The event brings together thousands of people each year to honor donors, celebrate transplant recipients and support the Sharing Network Foundation.
To register for the 5K or support a team, visit SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 people nationwide, including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents, are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
The post Ocean County Organ Donation 5K Honors Husband’s Legacy appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.
