'Thanksgiving Grandma' Who Invited Stranger To Dinner Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Wanda Dench, an Arizona grandmother who captured the hearts of many after a mistaken text message leading to a unique Thanksgiving tradition, has recently shared a deeply personal battle—her breast cancer diagnosis. The unexpected discovery came after a bronchitis infection led to further medical examinations. This is what happened next.

Unexpected Diagnosis Following Bronchitis

Dench, known for her viral 2016 Thanksgiving story, revealed her diagnosis through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), with the help of Jamal Hinton, the young man who became her accidental holiday guest years ago. Dench detailed how a bronchitis infection earlier in the year required a CT scan of her lungs. The scan revealed a suspicious mass in her breast, prompting doctors to recommend a mammogram, which confirmed she had breast cancer.

A Surprising Turn of Events

In her message, Dench emphasised that breast cancer does not run in her family and that her prior mammograms had always returned negative results. When she turned 65 in 2022, she believed she was no longer required to get mammograms, assuming her risk was low. “But I was wrong,” Dench wrote. The US Preventive Services Task Force currently advises women to continue regular mammograms every two years until the age of 74, a guideline that might have altered Dench's perspective on her screenings had she known. 

Here is a special message from Wanda🌺 pic.twitter.com/KDTWktDPfN

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) October 16, 2024

Supportive Network and Positive Mindset

After coming to terms with her diagnosis, Dench sought guidance from medical professionals. She shared her gratitude for the care and support she received, noting that her family, friends, and healthcare team rallied around her during this challenging time. “Everyone was so kind, supportive, and knowledgeable,” she wrote, highlighting the significance of a strong support system during a health crisis.

Despite the initial shock, Dench remains resilient and has embraced the life lessons learned from her diagnosis. Her message emphasized that life does not come to a halt with age or illness, and she encouraged others to keep pursuing joy and self-care. “Just because you may be older, you still have a life to live,” she stressed.

Finding Hope in Unexpected Places

Drawing inspiration from the TV show “Golden Bachelor,” Dench found hope that life’s possibilities, including finding love and new experiences, extend into the senior years. Her story serves as a reminder to others, particularly older adults, about the value of staying proactive with health checkups and living life fully, regardless of age. 

Her message concluded with a touching Biblical quote: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future,” encapsulating her faith and optimism despite the challenges ahead.

The Viral Thanksgiving Tradition That Started It All

Dench’s story first gained widespread attention in 2016 when she mistakenly invited Hinton, a 17-year-old at the time, to her home for Thanksgiving. Believing she was texting her grandson, Dench unknowingly reached out to Hinton, who responded with humor, saying, “Can I still get a plate tho?” Dench welcomed him warmly, replying, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do... feed everyone.” 

Their heartwarming exchange quickly went viral, and what began as a chance encounter turned into an enduring friendship. The two have celebrated Thanksgiving together every year since. Their unique bond soon became like family, with Hinton even joining Dench for memorable moments, such as when she got her first tattoo.

A Story That Continues to Inspire

In 2022, the duo announced that their story had caught the attention of Hollywood, with a Netflix film in the works to chronicle their unlikely yet heartwarming friendship. Even amidst Dench’s health challenges, the pair remain committed to their tradition. In her recent message, Dench confirmed that she and Hinton plan to continue their annual Thanksgiving gathering this year. How cute!

Wanda Dench’s journey, from a viral Thanksgiving mix-up to facing breast cancer with courage, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the strength we find among our fellow humans. Her story continues to resonate with many, emphasizing the importance of compassion, resilience, and the power of a single text to change lives.