Alabama House Minority Leader, wife recovering after life-saving kidney transplant

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Anthony Daniels, Alabama House Minority Leader, credits prayer and faith for the progress he and his wife, Teneshia, have made following his recent kidney transplant surgery. Both are recovering after Teneshia donated one of her kidneys to save her husband’s life. Their story, recently shared by the Alabama Political Reporter, highlights a deeply personal journey of resilience, family devotion, and community support.

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Daniels was discharged from UAB Hospital earlier than expected, just days after the successful procedure. His wife, Teneshia—who is a practicing dentist—was also released ahead of schedule. The two are continuing their recovery in the Birmingham area.

Daniels had maintained a healthy lifestyle and showed no clear signs of underlying illness before experiencing unexplained fatigue and other symptoms late last year. Despite multiple doctor visits, the exact cause of his declining health was unclear until it was confirmed that his kidneys were failing. A transplant was deemed necessary in early 2025.

Because Daniels has O-positive blood, he required a matching donor—something that often presents a major challenge for patients. In his case, the donor was right beside him. Teneshia not only matched but also immediately began the evaluation process, taking charge of the situation without hesitation.

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Their children, nine-year-old Abigail and seven-year-old Anthony (AG), were aware of the seriousness of the situation. While their parents were in the hospital, they took on responsibilities at home, including preparing for summer camp and helping keep the household running.

While Daniels still faces a lengthy recovery process and ongoing medical evaluations, the transplant represents a major milestone. The family has received an outpouring of support from across the state, and Daniels has acknowledged the strength they’ve drawn from the encouragement as well as their shared faith.

The journey is not over for the Daniels family, but their experience serves as a powerful reminder of love, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].