For four years, the Methuen Police Department has taken action to raise awareness and support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s efforts to research and treat breast cancer. MPD’s Pink Patch Project has donated thousands to the cause.
But this year’s October fund-raiser had extra-special meaning as two Methuen police officers – Gina Scanlon and Tracey Noonan, both in their early 40s – were both diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and underwent mastectomies. They are bravely facing their health challenges and moving forward with a warrior mindset.
Scanlon’s journey began last February after a routine yearly mammogram. This time the results were different. On April 1, she was diagnosed with Stage 1A Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, triple-positive breast cancer.
“Hearing those words felt surreal, like the world had just stopped moving. I was standing still, scared, overwhelmed and unsure of what would come next or what my future would look like,” she said. “I knew I needed a treatment plan and I NEEDED to fight! There was no other option.”
She had a lumpectomy as Mass General Hospital to remove the tumor, but her diagnosis meant she faced a higher risk of recurrence.
“Genetic testing revealed I carried a CHEK2 mutation increasing lifetime risk. Learning this news forced me to take a hard look at my future, not just as a patient, but as a mother, a fiancée, a daughter, a sister, family member and friend,” she says.
On Oct. 16, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy.
“This surgery doesn’t change my current treatment plan, but it reduces my lifetime risk of developing a separate breast cancer to just 1%,” she said. “It’s not zero, it never will be, but it’s enough to help me breathe a little easier and move forward.”
She explains that cancer is so much more than physical: “This journey has tested me in ways I never imagined. Cancer doesn’t just affect your body, it affects your mind, your confidence, and your sense of security. It affects your family, your children, your partner, and everyone who loves you. It changes how you see yourself and the world around you. But it also opens your eyes to a strength you didn’t know you had and to the incredible kindness and love of others.”
Scanlon continues to recuperate, saying, “I am still in active treatment and will be for some time. I’m healing, physically and emotionally, surrounded by an army of support that lifts me up every day. I’ve learned to take each day as it comes, to celebrate the small wins, and to lean on the people who remind me I’m never alone in this fight, a list of beloved friends and family to include Officer Tracey Noonan, an academy mate, coworker, and fellow breast cancer warrior.”
She adds, “No one fights alone! We are stronger than cancer!”
Scanlon has a Facebook page, “Gina’s Journey,” that provides detailed information about Breast Cancer Awareness and her treatment plan.
After her diagnosis, Scanlon urged fellow Methuen Police Officer Noonan to stay on top of her health … which ultimately led to Noonan finding out that she, too, had breast cancer.
Noonan shares, “My journey began with my good friend and co-worker, Gina Scanlon who served as an inspiration. By openly sharing her breast cancer journey, Gina encouraged me to pay closer attention to my own health. The experience of my sister also having breast cancer reinforced the importance of proactive screening.”
Following a mammogram, Noonan was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) last June, “which I can only describe as life altering,” Noonan says.
“After careful consideration, in September 2025, I underwent surgery for a double mastectomy, following consultations with medical professionals and discussions with loved ones,” she said. “I am grateful for the love and support I have received throughout. Leaning on loved ones is crucial for navigating this difficult journey.”
MethuenLife thanks both officers for sharing their life-changing health diagnoses and we wish them both the very best as they continue to recover!
PD’s Pink Patch Project raised $4,509 last month
In January 2022, now-retired Police Sgt. Derek Licata’s wife Robin was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, changing the life of their whole family.
“Robin was a warrior who fought courageously until her passing on February 19th of this year,” said Licata, adding, “I knew I wanted to do something to give back to Dana-Farber for Robin and to honor those who are fighting cancer but most of all raise awareness.”
Derek joined the many other law enforcement agencies raising funds for cancer research by selling pink Police Department patches. This began the Methuen Police Department’s Pink Patch Project, now taken over by Officer Kayleigh Forgetta.
“This year we have raised approximately $4,509 and distributed 212 Pink Patches to community members this October. Our large sponsor this year was The Irish Cottage who paid for the patches and had them shipped to us,” she said.
When asked why she wanted to take over the project, Officer Forgetta said, “Each person has some connection to this disease and many in our community have fought cancer themselves, know someone or have experienced the loss of a loved one. I too have those in my life who are currently fighting or have lost their battles with cancer. This is an important cause and a way to continue to spread awareness.”
