Mary Essel - The 70-Year-Old Grandmother

After losing her daughter in a tragic road accident and later the children’s father, Mary Essel became the sole caregiver to her eight grandchildren. At nearly 70 years old, she sells charcoal and farms daily to keep them fed and in school, despite living in a small room with a leaking roof. Through Smile4mation, founded by Nana Mitch and Schardo Mitch, her family has received immediate support, while a larger mission is underway, to rebuild their home and restore hope for generations to come.