Popular Ohio DJ returns to airwaves after kidney transplant
MANSFIELD, Ohio (WCMH) — A popular Ohio radio DJ is back at work after getting a much-needed kidney from his son.
Tommy Barnes, the host of afternoon drives on 106.1 in Mansfield, has been talking for a living for more than 30 years. But he's had a tough time finding the best words for his own story.
“I can talk all day with the best of them. But when it comes to something like this, it literally, it causes you to pause and think and reflect about what just happened," Barnes said.
The journey started 10 years ago. Even though he didn't show any of the usual signs, at an annual check-up, he found out his kidney was functioning at 35%. Then late last year it got to the point he needed a new kidney.
“If it wasn't for blood work and things of that nature I never would have known until possibly it was too late," Barnes said.
He was referred to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) where the kidney transplant took place. He got that kidney from Tyler, his youngest son.
“Having lived that journey with him this year, it was off the chart, it was raw emotion like I've never felt in my life, other than his birth 37 years ago," Barnes said. "Other than extreme gratitude it's tough to find the words to describe how I feel. I love my son immensely but it's on a totally different level now. Part of him is within me. It's just hard to fathom."
The transplant took place in August. Barnes spoke with NBC4 at the hospital before one of his follow-up appointments. Dr. Ajay Thakur, a nephrologist at OSUWMC, was one of Barnes' doctors. He said he hopes Tommy and his son's experiences will inspire others to consider being a living donor.
“Each organ that somebody donates, it can change a life. It could be a gift of life for the patient like Tommy and many more," Thakur said.
Tommy is excited to be back at work and said he is looking forward to seeing where his and his son's lives go from here.
"His concern was more about me as my concern was more about him than ourselves. We knew each other was going to be ok but we wanted to make sure each of us was going to be ok," he said. "I just feel the need to get back to talking and doing the things I've done for tens of thousands of people back home and I'm more than excited to have that happen and get out of the house."
There is a benefit concert for Barnes on October 27. Information can be found here.