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Alabama State Rep. Anthony Daniels is opening up about a deeply personal and life-changing journey, one marked by sickness, sacrifice, and the unwavering strength of love.
Daniels, who serves as the Democratic House Minority Leader, revealed he experienced a rapid decline in kidney function in recent years, a condition doctors believe may have been made worse by multiple COVID-19 infections.
鈥淭he labs came back showing my kidney function was around 14 to 15 percent; Then it dropped to 4%. There鈥檚 research out there about how COVID can expedite kidney disease and make it more aggressive. That鈥檚 what happened to me,鈥 said Daniels.
The diagnosis meant major changes for Daniels, including the start of at-home dialysis. But through it all, one person never left his side: his wife, Dr. Teneshia Daniels.
鈥淢y saving grace, after God, was my wife,鈥 he said. 鈥淪he didn鈥檛 hesitate. She had already started the process.鈥澛
That process ended in the ultimate gift: Dr. Daniels turned out to be a perfect match and donated her kidney to save her husband鈥檚 life.
鈥淵ou can only receive a kidney from someone who is blood type compatible. I鈥檓 O positive. She鈥檚 O positive. It was meant to be,鈥 Daniels said, holding back emotion. 鈥淪he saved my life.鈥澛
The transplant was a success, and the couple is healing together, not just physically, but emotionally, with a bond now deeper than ever before.
Daniels admits he was hesitant at first, not wanting his wife to take such a risk. But she wouldn鈥檛 take no for an answer.
鈥淪he wasn鈥檛 listening to me, and she was already committed,鈥 said Daniels.
Now back on his feet and focused on recovery, Daniels said the experience has changed him. He鈥檚 turning his struggle into a public mission advocating for better access to healthcare for Alabamians who may not have the same support or resources.
鈥淪o many people don鈥檛 have someone to walk this road with them,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e have to do better,鈥 said Daniels.
Daniels said he plans to return to his legislative duties soon, with renewed purpose and a deeper appreciation for life, health, and the power of partnership.
