India, April 24 -- Fernando Mendoza, who led the Indiana Hoosiers to the championship, is expected to be selected first overall by Las Vegas when the NFL Draft begins on Thursday. The Raiders have the first pick followed in order by the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. Klint Kubiak and co's search for a top quarterback could end tonight, months after they went 3-14 in the last season.

As Mendoza prepares for a life-changing NFL Draft night, the spotlight has shifted beyond football - toward a deeply personal story that has defined his journey.

At the heart of Mendoza's rise is his mother, Elsa, who has been battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that has le...