"My mom is my light; she is my why."
Mendoza Launches $1M MS Fund, Will Skip NFL Draft for Family
Fernando Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, has announced the creation of the Mendoza Family Fund in partnership with the National MS Society.
The star quarterback has made a personal donation of $500,000 to support multiple sclerosis research, and has committed to raising more than $1 million over the next three years.
In a significant personal decision, Mendoza will not attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh. His mother, Elsa, who lives with multiple sclerosis, faces travel difficulties in a wheelchair, and Mendoza has chosen to remain with her instead.
'We Can End This Disease'
In a video announcing the foundation, Mendoza said, "My mom is my light; she is my why." He expressed a firm belief that collective action can defeat the disease.
"We can end this disease if we all do it together."
Dr. Tim Coetzee, president and CEO of the National MS Society, praised the initiative, saying the fund "represents passion meeting collective action" and aims to "change lives and end MS."