New Providence Family Will Honor Two Remarkable Lives During NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life
New Providence, NJ – The Miles for Maddie and Dedication to Dan 5K Team, representing the Midwinter family of New Providence, will join thousands of participants at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life on June 8 in New Providence. The team, formed in loving memory of Maddie Midwinter and her brother Dan Midwinter, is dedicated to celebrating their legacies while supporting organ and tissue donation.
Maddie and Dan Midwinter were beloved members of the New Providence community. In June 2013, over 150 people united as Team Miles for Maddie to honor Maddie Midwinter, who passed away at the age of 9 in 2012. Maddie’s best friend, Madelyn Fama, along with friends April Doyle and Katie McCluney, created the team to keep Maddie’s spirit alive and to support the mission of the NJ Sharing Network.
“Maddie was sweet, sassy, beautiful, and incredibly special,” said Madelyn Fama, 22, who helped create the Miles for Maddie 5K team when she was only nine years old. “Just thinking about Maddie makes you smile. She always saw the good in people. Once, when asked what she could give to others, Maddie said, ‘My gift is to share.’ After she passed, she shared her organs, helping others in need. We are honored to keep her memory alive.”
Through tireless efforts, a vibrant 5K team roster of friends, neighbors, and community members was built to honor Maddie’s memory. Their dedication included organizing fundraisers such as a massive Italian ice sale at Salt Brook School, where Maddie had been a student, along with bake sales and selling friendship bracelets. Over the years, the team has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Sharing Network Foundation.
Following Maddie’s passing, her older brother Dan became actively involved with NJ Sharing Network. In 2017, Dan volunteered as a student at NJ Sharing Network, helping with 5K preparations and organizing bake sales at New Providence High School to support his sister’s team. Dan graduated from New Providence High School, where he was a member of the choir and musical theater, and was studying engineering at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He dreamed of designing rides for Disney and had a passion for Broadway shows, amusement parks, and spending time with friends. Dan was a dedicated participant in the 5K every year as part of Team Miles for Maddie, honoring his sister’s legacy. Tragically, Dan passed away in 2018 at the age of 19, but his warmth, kindness, and quiet strength continue to inspire those who knew him.
“Dan was such a caring, fun, and brave person,” said Madelyn. “His presence at the 5K every year meant so much to everyone. We continue to walk and run in his honor, just as he did for Maddie.”
The combined team, now known as Miles for Maddie and Dedication to Dan, remains a powerful force of love and remembrance within the New Providence community.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ. The 5K is presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable events. For 15 years, NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life has brought together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and dedicated volunteers and advocates. Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors will support the Sharing Network Foundation, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness, and education.
To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.