BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Brittany Clay discovered five years ago that she had high blood pressure during a routine physical examination that was a requirement to join her school’s cheerleader squad.

The cause was a urinary tract infection and reflux of urine into her kidneys — a common ailment for girls, which generally clears itself up by age 8, according to her dad, Mack Clay.

“It was a silent infection with no pain and no signs that she needed medical attention,” Clay said.

Another daughter, who was age 6 at the time, also was tested and had the same ailment, which was treated before permanent kidney deterioration.

But too much damage had been done to Brittany’s kidneys, and they began to weaken. On Jan. 4, the Baldwin County High School junior began dialysis treatments, and a search began for a new kidney. The search ended quickly.

“When her kidneys shut down, we went to donor evaluations, and my wife, Tonya, and I already knew we would be tested,” the father said. “My wife and I were cleared as donors, but I was a better match because of my blood type.

“There was no hesitation.”

Brittany will receive one of her father’s kidneys in June after the school year ends.

Meanwhile, Brittany checks out of Baldwin County High School at 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and heads to a Pensacola hospital for dialysis from 1 to 5 p.m.

She is current in all classes and is a member of the Tigerettes and the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Delta Belles and Beaux. After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she heads to Daphne for ballet, jazz and hiphop dance classes.

“She has not let this affect her life and what she likes to do,” Clay said. “This was just a stumbling block. She gave up nothing.

“One of her teachers at Baldwin County High School said she might want to bypass a class because it was so difficult. She just laughed and said no way.”

BCHS guidance counselor Erika Yelding Ford calls Brittany a “positive role model” for all students.

“She is an outstanding student who has excelled academically during her time of medical hardship,” Ford said. “Brittany’s determination to keep working hard in AP coursework and maintain grades is indeed noteworthy.

“She will accomplish many things in life. Brittany will definitely be successful in all future endeavors.”

Friends and family members have organized a benefit softball tournament Saturday at Creola Ball Park to help pay medical costs for the operation at University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital.

After surgery, the two will remain in Birmingham about eight weeks, according to Clay. Weekly trips for checkups will follow for the first three months after surgery, then once a month for the next seven months.

All monies received will be used to ease the financial burden of an apartment and fuel for the trips, Mack said.

The tournament will be one pitch, with ASA balls provided and no bat restrictions. The entry fee is $200. Prizes will be awarded and fried fish plates, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available.

A Robertsdale Coca-Cola distributor has donated soft drinks, Streets and Stagecoach restaurants are offering take-out plates, and friends are planning to catch mullet Friday for a fish fry.

“Lots of friends are donating time to help out, and it is appreciated, Mack said.

For more information about the tournament or to make donations, call Clay at (251) 421-1988.