'Thanksgiving Grandma' keeps amazing tradition alive despite brutal health battle

Dench's unexpected diagnosis came during a routine CT scan for a cough.

PUBLISHED NOV 29, 2024

Dench is using her platform to raise awareness, encouraging women, especially those in her age group.

Phoenix, Arizona: Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton, the unlikely friends brought together by a text message mix-up, continue to inspire all of us.

It all began when Dench, affectionately known as "Grandma Wanda", accidentally sent a text invitation for Thanksgiving dinner to Hinton, a teenager she mistakenly thought was her grandson. Instead of ignoring the error, Hinton responded humorously and asked if he could still join the dinner. Dench warmly welcomed him, and their story quickly captured hearts nationwide.

The story gained depth during the COVID-19 pandemic when Wanda's husband, Lonnie, passed away from the virus in 2020. Despite the loss, Wanda and Jamal continued their Thanksgiving tradition, honoring Lonnie’s memory.

Dench credits her strong support system, including her Thanksgiving buddy, Jamal Hinton.

This year, however, Dench was unable to be with Hinton for Thanksgiving dinner due to her battle with breast cancer.

Dench disclosed her diagnosis during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "I've been in chemotherapy for the last two months, and I have one more month to go before starting radiation," she said, while remaining optimistic about her treatment.

Dench's unexpected diagnosis came during a routine CT scan for a cough. The scan revealed a mass, leading to the discovery of Stage 1 breast cancer. The diagnosis was a shock for Dench, who had previously led a healthy life and stopped regular mammograms after turning 65. "I had mammograms throughout my younger years, and when I hit 65, I thought that would be my last one since breast cancer doesn’t run in my family."

The story gained depth during the COVID-19 pandemic when Wanda's husband, Lonnie Dench, passed away from the virus in 2020.

Now, Dench is using her platform to raise awareness, encouraging women, especially those in her age group, to continue regular screenings. "Just because I’m 67 now, it doesn’t mean I should stop getting checkups. My message to women is: don't stop, because we still have more life to live. Catching things early can make a huge difference."

Hinton shared an update on their relationship, expressing his admiration for Dench’s courage as she faces her health challenges. "Grandma Wanda’s strength inspires me every day," Hinton said. "Even though she couldn’t be here this year, her spirit and love are always with us."