India, Dec. 14 -- Fernando Mendoza on Saturday won the Heisman trophy. In his victory speech, the Indiana quarterback thanked his colleagues and family members. The 22-year-old has often credited his success on the field to the strength he draws from his mother, Elsa Mendoza.

Elsa Mendoza, a former women's tennis player at the University of Miami, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nearly two decades ago. The condition, which affects the central nervous system, has progressively limited her mobility. Her health challenges intensified about five years ago following a COVID-19 diagnosis, leading to further complications in daily movement.

Despite those challenges, Elsa remains a constant presence in her son's life. Mendoza has repeated...