Fernando Mendoza’s mom uses a wheelchair because she lives with multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system and limits her mobility over time. This condition has progressed to the point that she often needs a wheelchair, especially when traveling to or attending his games.
Her medical condition
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. For Elsa Mendoza, this has led to increasing difficulty walking and maintaining balance, eventually making a wheelchair necessary for daily activities and longer trips.
How it affects her life
Reports note that Elsa has relied more on a wheelchair in recent years as her MS has advanced, particularly after her health worsened following a COVID-19 illness. Despite these challenges, she continues to travel in her wheelchair to support Fernando at major games and remains a central source of inspiration in his life.