While Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza is fighting for the Heisman Trophy, his most significant victory is already happening off the field. He is raising awareness about an incurable disease that is related to his battle at home. For which $65,000-and-counting campaign continues to deliver.

Alongside his brother, Mendoza launched a fundraising campaign in support of the National MS Society, a cause deeply personal to the family, as their mother lives with multiple sclerosis. What began as a modest effort has quickly gained momentum, and the campaign is now closing in on its ambitious goal. Mendoza initially set a target of $20,000, but donations surged past that mark, prompting him to raise the goal to $50,000.

With contributions continuing to pour in, the target was ultimately increased to $100,000. As of now, the campaign has raised more than $65,000, putting Mendoza over 65 percent of the way to his final goal. Given the level of support, surpassing the $100,000 mark remains a real possibility.

“We’re not victims, we’re attacking this. It’s great to stay as a family, especially since it’s the Christmas season, the season of giving. It’s a really special moment that we can all share.” Mendoza said to the press.

The Mendoza brothers launched the Mendoza Burrito campaign last year at La Burrita in Berkeley in honor of their mother, Elsa Mendoza, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Their efforts didn’t stop there. They later partnered with two restaurants, BuffaLouie and Gable’s Bagels, which agreed to sell the “Mendoza Bros. Burger” and the “Mendoza Bros. Cubano” bagel sandwich, respectively.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from both items will go directly to the National MS Society to support research, programs, and services. For the brothers, the success of these campaigns is a way of giving back to their mother.

“My mom means the world to me. She’s the most caring and positive person I know, and I’ll keep doing everything I can to support her and others living with MS! Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. live with this unpredictable and often disabling disease, and while progress has been made, there’s still so much more to do,” Fernando’s statement on the campaign read.

The success of the campaign will surely be a mental boost for Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming playoff games.

Elsa’s difficult journey as Fernando Mendoza and Indiana are looking to win it all

Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately a decade ago. More than 50% of MS patients report experiencing limitations in their daily activities. Elsa, even after enduring all these problems, has raised two boys she can be extremely proud of. Both Fernando and Alberto work actively in spreading awareness about the illness their mother suffers from.

“It’s something that is very dear to my brother and my family. And there’s a page on the National MS Society where you’re able to donate to the awareness and research of it. And the society really just helps people for research and people who can’t afford treatments to go and help their multiple sclerosis,” Mendoza continued.

They have transformed their mother’s struggle into a mission that benefits the entire MS community. The 22-year-old was previously proud of his efforts.”It gives awareness, and we’re really proud of it.”