Dancing for a Cause: Shrinkhala Khanna and Colleagues Support UMass Cancer Walk 

On August 1, 2026, Shrinkhala Khanna, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and Lisa McLaren, RN, BSN, MSCR, Research Coordinator Nurse in the Cancer Research Office at UMass Memorial Medical Center, organized a Bollywood Zumba-themed dance fundraiser in support of the UMass Cancer Walk. During the event, Dr. Khanna led a high-energy Bollywood-inspired Zumba class for 15 attendees. Together, participants raised $625. 

On August 21, 2026, Dr. Khanna and Jessica Gomez, RMA, held a similar dance fundraiser at the Health Alliance Cancer Center and raised an additional $260. 

In total, Dr. Khanna raised $885 through these two fundraising opportunities, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the UMass Cancer Walk to support and advance cancer research at UMass Memorial Medical Center and its affiliated community sites. 

Dr. Khanna has been a member of the UMass Memorial Health community since 2011, completing all her postgraduate and subspecialty training at UMass. As a hematologist-oncologist, she is deeply committed to advocating for patients both at the UMass Memorial main campus and at the HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Cancer Center in Fitchburg.  

Beyond her clinical practice, she is passionate about engaging the local community in support of cancer research. By bringing people together through creative fundraising events, she hopes to continue raising awareness and financial support for innovative cancer research, ultimately improving the lives of patients across Central Massachusetts.