Last Updated:
Dench said that she recently finished her chemotherapy and was still in a recovery process.
Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton are navigating a difficult Thanksgiving this year. (Photo Credits: X)
The heartwarming story of Wanda Dench, known as the “Thanksgiving Grandma”, and Jamal Hinton, the man whom she invited to spend Thanksgiving dinner nine years ago accidentally, connected virtually this year. In November 2016, Wanda Dench wanted to invite her grandson for Thanksgiving dinner but by mistake, she texted Jamal Hinton. He replied with a selfie and asked whether he could still come for dinner. Dench greeted him very friendly and replied, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone.” This unexpected invitation turned into a beloved friendship that enthralled the world.
Their ninth Thanksgiving, however, has been overshadowed by Dench’s breast cancer diagnosis. It was while having a CT scan for bronchitis, that doctors found a lump. The lady said she recently finished her chemotherapy and was still in a recovery process. She expressed disappointment but remained hopeful for future gatherings: “I was looking so forward to meeting his family and having turkey with everybody… I’m sure next year is going to be so much better”.
Because Hinton lives two hours away from Dench’s residence, the duo opted to connect through technology. They had an Instagram Live session on Thanksgiving Day, so the two could at least share a few moments together.
Friends and relatives have been with Dench in her cancer journey. She guaranteed that alongside the illnesses she was treating, she would maintain her traditions and connections. In previous years, they celebrated Thanksgiving with several other members of the family or friends. Hinton earlier told CNN that their friendship grew even stronger over the years and that they are “more like family now”.
As for the future, Hinton and Dench are confident that they can keep it going. Hinton reaffirmed his intentions of making sure they both celebrate together in the future.
