HONOLULU—University of Hawai'i softball All-American Kelly Majam was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after returning home to Pine Valley, Calif., for the summer. She underwent successful surgery three weeks ago and is slated to return for her sophomore season with the Rainbow Wahine softball team this fall.

 

She discovered a lump on the left side of her throat that hurt when swallowing during the WAC Tournament in Las Cruces, N.M. The pain somewhat subsided during UH's run to the NCAA Women's College World Series. Upon returning to the San Diego area, she went to see her doctor who referred her to a specialist who performed a biopsy on the lump. Two days later, Majam was diagnosed with a type of thyroid cancer. She then met with a head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeon who explained the details of the cancer and was scheduled for surgery the following week. Majam's entire thyroid was removed and another biopsy confirmed the mass was cancerous but it was determined that the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes.

 

Majam has started thyroid hormone replacement which she will continue for the rest of her life. During the upcoming winter break, she will undergo iodine radiation treatment back home in Pine Valley and will be in isolation at the hospital for two to three days due to the high dose of radiation. Majam will be working out with the softball team this fall and plans on resuming practice upon her return for the spring semester.

 

Majam, a National Fastpitch Coaches Association and ESPN.com All-American, started all 66 games this past year in centerfield. She finished the season as the NCAA leader with 30 home runs—a new Western Athletic Conference and UH single-season record. Majam finished 2010 ranked fourth nationally in runs per game (.81); fifth in slugging percentage (.519) and 27th in on-base percentage (.919). She reached base safely in 61-of-66 games played and set new UH single-season records with 81 runs scored and 44 walks. Overall, Majam also led the 'Bows with a .400 batting average and 60 RBI (tied with Melissa Gonzalez). On defense, Majam did not commit an error on the field with 79 put-outs and six assists. She is the reigning WAC Freshman of the Year and was the Most Valuable Player in the 2010 WAC Tournament. She is also a WAC all-academic player and a UH scholar-athlete.