Family and Friends of Late Shelby Fire Chief Shepherd to Walk in Relay for Life

It has been nearly one year since Shelby Township Fire Chief Gene Shepherd lost his battle with a rare form of cancer, and on Saturday, nearly 200 of his friends and family will take steps in his honor at the Shelby Township Relay for Life.

Robin LaLonde, Shepherd's daughter, contacted Patch to share that Team Shepherd will be one of many teams taking part in the annual event at River Bends Park in Shelby Township.

"This event is happening almost a year to date that we lost my dad to this horrible disease, and I think everyone today is affected in some way by cancer as well," LaLonde wrote in an email. "My dad was always so proud when he was in the Patch for another cause or project he was involved in and I just feel that it is fitting to put him in the Patch again!!"

She added that the outpouring of friends and family to be part of Relay has been "overwhelming."

Members of Team Shepherd and others will gather Saturday for an 11 a.m. registration, followed by a noon celebration and the 24-hour relay. For more information, visit the Relay for Life website.