Grandmother who invited stranger to Thanksgiving reveals breast cancer diagnosis

Wanda Dench, who became a viral sensation after accidentally inviting a stranger to Thanksgiving in 2016, has revealed she is battling breast cancer. Dench, who has continued her Thanksgiving tradition with Jamal Hinton, shared her diagnosis as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media by Hinton, Dench explained she had been undergoing chemotherapy after a mass was found during a routine CT scan for bronchitis.

Dench recounted how her unlikely friendship with Hinton began when she mistakenly invited him to Thanksgiving, believing she was texting her grandson. Since then, the two have shared the holiday together annually, with Hinton joining Dench and her family in Arizona. “It went viral and changed our life for the better,” she wrote, adding that they plan to continue their tradition this year.

Dench’s diagnosis came as a shock, given her family has no history of cancer, and her previous mammograms had been clear. “I thought my last mammogram two years ago would be my final one, but I was wrong,” she said. Dench expressed gratitude for the support she has received from family, friends, and the staff at the Breast Cancer Center, noting, “Everyone was so kind, supportive, and knowledgeable.”

Fans quickly responded with messages of love and support on social media. One user wrote, “Sending healing prayers,” while another praised the genuine connection between Dench and Hinton.