I love a good mascot story just as much as the next blogger, maybe even more, and they don't get much better than this.

In 2007, The Grizz, Eric McMahon was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease — also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma — a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. It was bad. He nearly died.

In an unprecedented gesture, the Grizzlies refused to replace Eric with another guy and instead called on mascots across the country to come in and root for the Grizz while he received treatment. Many did. Even Thunder.

In addition, the Grizzlies launched a program called 'Friends of Grizz' where fans could support Eric and other patients in the fight against cancer by raising donations for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

3 Shades of Blue got the first official interview with Eric since he was declared in remission, and they have good news: Eric will don the grey-blue bear suit come Opening Night:

Do you see your return as Grizz as an important part of your life returning to normal?
Eric McMahon: When I started to get sick, going through all the treatment with all the rigors that go along with it, I would just lay there and think about the day that I would just feel normal again. I took my body and health for granted. Now that I'm in remission I finally feel that my life has some normality again but something has been missing. I have been pushing myself hard in the weight room and doing a lot of cardio to get back in shape. I can't wait to get in front of fans and perform again on Opening Night. That's when I really feel that all the pain and horrible times were worth it and my life will be back to normal.

Nice to have you back, Eric. Now get out there and fire that t-shirt gun!