Buckeye Alums Share Kidney Transplant

JJ Sullinger donated a kidney to his former Ohio State basketball teammate, Terrence Dials, following a decade of declining health for the recipient. The two men, who played together in the early 2000s, spoke on Morning Edition about the medical journey that deepened their personal connection. Dials said he was diagnosed with kidney issues approximately nine or 10 years ago and was referred to a nephrologist to monitor his condition.

By 2026, Dials had progressed to stage five kidney disease. He placed his name on transplant lists at Ohio State and Cincinnati. The transplant center provided him with a digital link to share with friends and family to identify potential donors. Dials received two initial matches: his brother and Sullinger. He stated that he knew of these matches only because they were close to him personally. The potential donors then underwent a series of safety tests to confirm eligibility.

Sullinger said he decided to donate before consulting his wife. He acknowledged that this order of events was the only part of the process he regrets, though he noted his wife supports the decision. He described his immediate willingness to help as characteristic of his personality. He said the process took a considerable amount of time before he was cleared to donate.

Dials said he and Sullinger have remained close since their college days. He estimated that 90% of the time, people in Columbus who see one of them also see the other. He said the transplant did not create a new bond but rather cemented an existing one. Sullinger compared their relationship to the movie Groundhog Day, suggesting that their daily interactions remain consistent regardless of the medical event. He said the donation was an opportunity to help a brother in need rather than a defining moment for their friendship.

Dials traced the discovery of his kidney disease to a chance encounter at a Kroger pharmacy. He said his daughters used a blood pressure cuff at the pharmacy counter. After checking their own readings, they asked him to use the device. The reading was high enough that staff told him to go to the hospital. This event led to his referral to a specialist and eventual transplant listing.

Both men emphasized the importance of regular health screenings for men in their 40s. Sullinger noted that many men, particularly Black men, tend to internalize health struggles to appear strong. He said that both he and Dials had to make lifestyle changes to prepare for the procedure. He argued that they would not have known the necessity of these changes without routine medical checks. Dials urged listeners to get yearly checkups and to investigate any physical discomfort promptly.

The pair said the experience required them to become more in tune with their bodies. Sullinger said the story puts a spotlight on the need for men to talk about their health rather than battling it alone. He maintained that getting checked is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step in maintaining physical well being.