Thanksgiving Grandma, Accidental Guest Celebrate Holiday with Breast Cancer Diagnosis

The “Thanksgiving grandma” story is getting a poignant new chapter this holiday season. Wanda Dench, who famously invited a stranger to Thanksgiving dinner after mistakenly texting him eight years ago, is now facing a serious health challenge.

In a heartfelt update shared by Jamal Hinton, the young man she accidentally texted in 2016, Dench revealed that she’s undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Their unlikely friendship, sparked by a wrong number and sealed over years of holiday meals, has captured the hearts of many—and this year, they’re navigating a new journey together.

How It All Began: A Thanksgiving Tradition by Chance

Their story started with a simple mix-up. Back in 2016, Dench thought she was texting her grandson to invite him over for Thanksgiving. Instead, her message reached Hinton, who was then a high schooler sitting in class. Confused, he texted back, asking who she was. To confirm, Hinton asked for a photo, and when he saw that the sender was not his grandmother, he playfully asked if he could still come over for dinner.

Dench’s response was one that instantly went viral for its warmth: “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do … feed everyone!”

Touched by her openness, Hinton shared the exchange on social media, and the internet fell in love with the story of this unexpected friendship. Since then, the two have kept up the tradition, gathering every Thanksgiving to share a meal and celebrate their unique bond. It hasn’t always been easy—Wanda’s husband, Lonnie, passed away in April 2020 due to complications from COVID-19—but through it all, Hinton has been by her side, as both a friend and a comforting presence.

A New Challenge on the Horizon

Now, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, the pair faces a new challenge. On October 16, Hinton posted a message from Dench on his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts, where she opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis.

The cancer was discovered by chance during a CT scan for her lungs following a bout of bronchitis, revealing a mass in her breast. The diagnosis came as a shock to Dench, who explained that cancer didn’t run in her family and that her previous mammograms had always been clear. “In 2022, I turned 65 and thought I’d had my last mammogram. I didn’t think I’d have to worry about it again,” she shared. “But I was wrong.”

Despite the surprise, Dench says her journey has brought new people into her life who have made the experience easier to navigate. “I’ve met so many wonderful people throughout my treatment,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot of life’s lessons through it all, but what I want to stress most is that just because we’re older doesn’t mean we stop living. Keep getting your checkups, and keep living your life!”

Continuing the Tradition

Even as she undergoes treatment, Dench has no plans to cancel this year’s Thanksgiving gathering. She and Hinton are already looking forward to keeping their annual tradition alive, proving once again that sometimes the most meaningful connections come from the most unexpected places.

Their story, which began with a texting error, has blossomed into a real-life friendship that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving—one of kindness, gratitude, and the joy of sharing life’s moments, both big and small. As they sit down together this year, their bond serves as a reminder to cherish the present and celebrate the unexpected twists that can bring people together in the most beautiful ways.