Who Is Fernando Mendoza's Mom? All About Elsa Mendoza, Her Chronic Illness & Wheelchair Use, & How You Can Help

It’s going to be a big night for Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to become a Las Vegas Raider when the NFL Draft kicks off this evening.

The Raiders have the first pick in the draft, and there has been little debate about where the 22-year-old will be selected once the event begins, as it has seemed like such a done deal this offseason.

Fernando will not be attending the draft in person, instead opting to watch with his family and friends at a draft party. While watching, cameras will be on hand to celebrate with Fernando and the cameras may pan to Fernando‘s parents, Elsa and Fernando Sr..

Fans have noticed that Elsa is in a wheelchair, and Fernando Sr. always remains seated by her side, even during major touchdown celebrations. Elsa is in a wheelchair due to a condition called Multiple Sclerosis (aka M.S.)

Fernando has spoken about his mom being his best friend amid her battle with the central nervous system disease.

Keep reading to find out more…

“At this point, she has a tough time moving around and stuff like that, but her happiness, her joy and her determination is what inspires me every single day and that’s what pushes me. You know, if I’m in a workout and I’m feeling tired, you know, a little thought in my mind goes, ‘Maybe you should skip out on this set’ or something like that, I’ll be like, my mom is out here every single day putting a ton of work, a ton of dedication and still with a great attitude, a great positive attitude in everything she does,” he said in a video for Hoosiers Connect.

Elsa has spoken about the condition, too.

She wrote for The Players’ Tribune, “I was diagnosed about 18 years ago, but of course you never knew that. You and Alberto were so young, and I was doing fine … and mostly I didn’t want you to worry. It just felt like this impossible thing to place on you guys.”

About her diagnosis, she said that Fernando made things “so much easier” in the “sweetest, strongest, most Fernando way possible — by making me feel the exact opposite of embarrassed….You’ve made me feel seen.”

The Mendoza brothers have a fundraising page for their mom, where you can donate if you have the means.