Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has announced a $500,000 donation to support multiple sclerosis (MS) research by launching the Mendoza Family Fund in partnership with the National MS Society.
Mendoza’s mother, Elsa Mendoza, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a severe chronic autoimmune disease that has confined her to a wheelchair. The travel difficulties resulting from her condition are the reason Mendoza will not attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh.
In a video announcement on Thursday, Mendoza shared his motivation:
"My mom is my light; she is my why."
The Mendoza Family Fund is committed to raising over $1 million over the next three years to advance MS research and support critical programs.
"Together, I believe we can end this disease," Mendoza stated in the video.
National MS Society Praises Mendoza’s Initiative
Dr. Tim Coetzee, president and CEO of the National MS Society, praised Mendoza’s efforts in a statement:
"The Mendoza Family Fund represents the very best of what’s possible when passion meets collective action. Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to channel that momentum into critical research and programs that will change lives and ultimately help us end MS."
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