Lexi W., PT, DPT – Managing Partner and Physical Therapist at Bay State PT – Braintree & Bay State PT – Boston – Fort Point

Seventh-Year PMC Rider

Lexi is returning for her seventh year riding with the Bay State Physical Therapy PMC Team. Over the years, the Pan-Mass Challenge has become one of her favorite weekends of the summer—a celebration of hope, resilience, and community.

For Lexi, the cause is deeply personal. As the physical therapist for the team’s longtime Pedal Partner, Celia, she had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength and determination of a young girl who battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Today, Celia is in remission and continues to inspire everyone around her.

“Celia reminds me every day how strong and determined the human spirit can be.”

Lexi rides for loved ones impacted by cancer and for the hope that research and treatment advancements will create more survivors. This year, she’s especially excited to ride the 50-mile route alongside her dad.

Nicholas R., PT, DPT – Physical Therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy – Boston – Fort Point

Fourth-Year PMC Rider

Nicholas is returning for his fourth year riding with the Bay State Physical Therapy PMC Team. Since joining Bay State, Nick has had the privilege of working with the team’s Pedal Partner, Celia, whose strength, energy, and joyful spirit continue to inspire every mile he rides.

“Every mile is bigger than me. We train and ride for those who cannot.”

For Nick, the PMC is about much more than cycling. As a physical therapist, he sees the ride as an extension of his work helping people live healthier, more active lives while supporting patients and families affected by cancer.

One of his favorite parts of the PMC is the camaraderie of the Bay State team and the inspiring stories shared throughout race weekend. Of course, not every ride goes according to plan—one memorable year, he and his fiancée accidentally collided just 20 yards from the finish line. Fortunately, they got back up and crossed it together.

Taylor H. – Family & Friend of the Bay State Physical Therapy PMC Team

Third-Year PMC Rider

Taylor is returning for her third year riding with the Bay State Physical Therapy PMC Team alongside her fiancé, Nicholas Rajotte, PT, DPT. Her connection to the PMC is deeply personal and rooted in both remembrance and hope.

Taylor rides in memory of her Uncle Tommy, who lost his battle with leukemia at just 22 years old. She is also inspired by the courage of the team’s Pedal Partner, Celia, whose journey reminds riders why every mile matters.

“I ride in memory of my Uncle Tommy, in celebration of survivors like Celia, and in support of everyone whose life has been touched by cancer.”

When training rides become difficult, Taylor reminds herself that the challenge of the ride is nothing compared to the strength of those facing cancer. This year, she’s looking forward to the energy, camaraderie, and shared sense of purpose that make PMC weekend so special.

Thomas R., PT, DPT – Senior Physical Therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy – Stoughton -Washington Street

Third-Year PMC Rider

Thomas is returning for his third year riding with the Bay State Physical Therapy PMC Team. His journey with the PMC began when he cheered on a fellow Bay State team member and immediately knew he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself.

Since then, his connection to the cause has grown through personal experiences with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the many individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer.

“This ride is my chance to give back and ride for those who have lost their battle with cancer, those fighting their battle, and those in future need.”

For Thomas, health is life’s greatest gift. He especially looks forward to hearing the inspiring stories shared throughout PMC weekend and riding past the signs honoring Pedal Partners who remind riders why every mile matters.

Lauren H., PT, DPT – Physical Therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy – Raynham

Third-Year PMC Rider

Lauren is returning for her third year riding in the Pan-Mass Challenge. Her connection to the cause is shaped by both loss and hope—a close friend is a stage 4 cancer survivor, while her grandfather and a close family friend both lost their battles with cancer.

“Many people battling cancer don’t have the opportunity to take part in something like this, so I feel grateful to be able to ride in support of them.”

For Lauren, every mile serves as a reminder of why the cause matters and the impact that cancer research can have on patients and families. She loves being outdoors while training and is especially motivated by the incredible support from communities lining the course each year.

After navigating a few unexpected dirt roads during training rides over the years, Lauren has learned that sometimes the detours make the journey even more memorable.

Danica C., PT, DPT – Physical Therapist at Bay State Physical Therapy – Cambridge – Central Square

First-Year PMC Rider

For Danica (“Dani”), taking on the Pan-Mass Challenge is about embracing new challenges while supporting a cause that impacts so many lives. A first-time rider, Dani was drawn to the PMC as an opportunity to challenge herself both physically and mentally while beginning her journey into cycling.

“I want to challenge myself, and this will never even be close to as hard as patients with cancer have to fight every day to survive and overcome the many obstacles they face.”

As she trains for her 85-mile ride, Dani has embraced the highs and lows of cycling—from scenic rides along the Minuteman Trail and coffee shop stops to the occasional learning experience, including an unforgettable first long ride mishap. She’s especially excited for her dad to travel from Hawaii to cheer her on at the finish line.

Dani is proud to represent Bay State Physical Therapy and show people what it’s all about: doing hard things, moving our bodies, and supporting causes greater than ourselves.