Give for Grizz

Eric McMahon, the man behind the mask as GRIZZ at the Grizzlies basketball games, has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphona. Wikipedia has this entry on the disease:

Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, is a type of lymphoma first described by Thomas Hodgkin in 1832. Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized clinically by the orderly spread of disease from one lymph node group to another and by the development of systemic symptoms with advanced disease. Pathologically, the disease is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin's lymphoma was one of the first cancers to be cured by radiation. Later it was one of the first to be cured by combination chemotherapy. The cure rate is about 93%, making it one of the most curable forms of cancer.

This is good news for Eric and the fans of the team who wish him nothing but a speedy recovery.
The team has set up a Friends of Grizz program in support of Eric. The fund will raise money for the St. Jude's Childrens Hospital and the families of those children being treated there. The team store will begin selling wristbands in support of this effort on January 15th (the Cleveland Cavs game). We hope everyone will buy these wristbands to show their support.

However Memphis can do more. The men at 3 Shades of Blue encourage everyone to make a donation to the St. Jude's Hospital in the name of Grizz to show our support for Eric and his fight to beat this disease. During the holiday season it is a great time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. The men at 3 Shades of Blue are kicking off this totally voluntary effort with a $500 donation in the name of GRIZZ.

Fans can send cards and get well wishes to Eric, care of Grizz, to 191 Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103, or via e-mail at grizz@grizzlies.com. Fans wishing to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital can log on to http://www.stjude.org/.

May you have a speedy recovery and all of our prayers are with you Eric. Your presence will be missed at the games but you will not be out of our thoughts. Throught out the season different teams mascots will be dropping by to support Eric and keep the home crowd entertained. A very nice gesture by the teams and the men who work as the mascots.