By DoM Communications | Date published: October 1, 2026
Alyssa Tonelli Saves a Life Through Stem Cell Donation
Alyssa Tonelli, DNP, AGACNP-BC, MS, of the Bone Marrow Transplant Service in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, saved the life of Greg Karr when she decided to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry. Greg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer, and was looking for a stem cell match. In August 2022, Alyssa found out she was a perfect match for Greg, and in October 2022, she donated blood stem cells through an outpatient process. The next day, the cells were infused into Greg via an IV, and he positively responded to treatment.
In April 2025, Alyssa and Greg met in New Mexico, where they spent time together and formed a beautiful friendship. In July of this year, Greg visited Massachusetts to meet Alyssa’s family and experience her world as a nurse practitioner.
“When I was getting those injections to boost my stem cells, it kind of gave me a little bit more appreciation for some things that we prescribe every day for our patients,” she said. “Just more appreciation for things that they go through.”