In the heart of winter, as much of the Midwest braces for yet another brutal cold snap, one family feels the chill more deeply than most. Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana Hoosiers’ star quarterback and recent Heisman Trophy winner who led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship, has always spoken openly about his greatest inspiration: his mother, Elsa Mendoza. Now, with temperatures plummeting across Indiana on January 29, 2026, and wind chills dipping into dangerously low territory—from -10°F to as low as -35°F in some areas—the Mendoza family faces a heartbreaking reality.

The extreme cold isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a serious threat to Elsa’s health as she battles multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic condition that makes her especially vulnerable to temperature extremes.

Elsa Mendoza was diagnosed with MS approximately 18 years ago, a progressive autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Over time, the condition has worsened, particularly after she contracted COVID-19 several years ago, leading to increased mobility challenges. Today, she relies on a wheelchair for daily movement, and even short exposures to harsh weather can exacerbate symptoms like muscle stiffness, fatigue, pain, and sensitivity to cold.

Medical experts have long warned that people with MS often experience what’s known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon, where heat or, in some cases, extreme cold can temporarily intensify neurological symptoms. But in subzero wind chills like those gripping Indiana right now, the risks go beyond discomfort—frostbite can set in on exposed skin within minutes, and for someone with compromised mobility and circulation, even brief outings become perilous.

Fernando, who has called his mother “my why” and “my light” in emotional interviews and speeches, recently shared an update that has left fans and supporters reeling. In a heartfelt social media post and follow-up statements, he revealed that Elsa’s condition has taken a noticeable downturn amid this prolonged arctic blast. The early morning hours, when wind chills are at their most severe, have been particularly tough. “She’s fighting every day, but this cold… it’s hitting her harder than anything we’ve seen,” Fernando reportedly said, his voice cracking with emotion during a brief call with close friends and teammates.

The family, originally from the warmer climate of Miami, Florida, has called Indiana home since Fernando transferred to the university, but the state’s unforgiving winters have tested their resilience like never before.

The current weather advisory paints a stark picture. Meteorologists report that a persistent arctic air mass has settled over the region, bringing not only record-low wind chills but also a heightened frostbite risk. Health officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, cover all exposed skin, and check on vulnerable neighbors—advice that hits especially close to home for the Mendozas. Elsa’s daily routine, already limited by her wheelchair and the fatigue that comes with MS, becomes exponentially more complicated when even moving from a heated car to a building entrance carries danger.

Simple errands, doctor visits, or attending her son’s events—if they were possible in this weather—require layers of planning, heated blankets, and constant monitoring.

Fernando has built his platform not just on the football field but in advocacy. Alongside his brother Alberto, also a quarterback who has played alongside him, the Mendoza family has raised significant funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Their campaigns, often tied to family heritage and Cuban roots, have honored Elsa’s strength and positivity while supporting research and resources for others living with the disease. Fernando frequently credits his mother’s unwavering optimism for fueling his own drive, from overcoming underdog status early in his career to leading Indiana to historic heights.

Yet now, as he watches her struggle against an invisible enemy amplified by the weather, that optimism is tempered by deep concern.

Friends of the family describe a quiet household in Bloomington, where extra precautions are in place: indoor heating cranked high, mobility aids adjusted for stiffness, and constant check-ins from loved ones. Fernando, despite the demands of the offseason and media obligations following the championship win, has prioritized being close by. “Family first—always has been,” one teammate shared anonymously. The quarterback’s Heisman acceptance speech, where he dedicated his success to his mom, feels even more poignant now, a reminder of the personal stakes behind every victory.

For millions of Americans living with MS, stories like Elsa’s are all too familiar. The disease affects over a million people in the U.S., with symptoms that can flare unpredictably. Cold weather often triggers increased spasticity, nerve pain, and mobility issues, turning routine winter days into battles. Organizations like the National MS Society emphasize the importance of staying warm, managing stress, and seeking medical advice during extreme weather events. In Elsa’s case, the combination of her long-term progression and this severe cold front has created a perfect storm of worry for those who love her.

As Indiana slowly thaws from this latest wave, the Mendoza family remains a beacon of strength and unity. Fernando’s words echo the sentiments of many: “Mom’s toughness inspires me more than any playbook ever could.” In a season of triumphs on the field, this personal challenge underscores a deeper truth—success is measured not just in touchdowns or trophies, but in the quiet, daily fight to protect those who matter most.

The nation watches, prays, and sends warmth to a family that has given so much joy through football, hoping the cold relents soon and Elsa’s spirit continues to shine as brightly as ever.