2017 North Shore Cancer WALK – Salem Willows

For more than two decades, the North Shore Cancer WALK has united the community for one powerful purpose: supporting cancer care close to home. On June 24, 2017, walkers gathered at Salem Willows, continuing a mission that has raised an incredible $22 million to date.

The 10K (6.2 mile) route through Salem isn’t just a walk — it’s a visible reminder of determination, resilience, and hope.

Supporting Cancer Care Close to Home

Proceeds from the WALK benefit oncology services at:

• North Shore Medical Center
• Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center

Over the years, WALK contributions have funded new technologies, facility upgrades, clinical trials, and supportive wellness services such as massage and acupuncture — helping patients and families navigate treatment with dignity and support.

Behind the Scenes: Building the Event

While the day itself is filled with emotion and community spirit, there’s an entire infrastructure that makes it possible.

For the 2017 event, we installed:

• Multiple festival frame tents for registration, sponsors, and gathering spaces
• Staging for announcements and programming
• A half-shell QuickTrack structure covering the main stage

The photos featured here from Stacey Guptill Photography aren’t from the WALK itself — they’re from the setup. And honestly? There’s something just as powerful about seeing the crew in action. Watching the transformation of an open park at Salem Willows into a fully operational event space is a reminder that meaningful events start long before guests arrive.

Large-scale community fundraisers like this require thoughtful planning, structural safety, and efficient installation — especially on an oceanfront site.