Famous Thanksgiving Grandma Returns After Breast Cancer

Wanda Dench never meant to become a Thanksgiving icon. But ten years ago, a wrong number turned into a lifelong friendship, and now, a story of survival.

Dench  had intended to invite her grandson over for Thanksgiving. Instead, the text landed in the inbox of Jamal Hinton, then a 17-year-old high school student. After the confusion was cleared up, Dench still extended the invitation. Hinton accepted. And then he showed up.

What began as a random act of kindness has turned into a decade-long tradition, even as life brought real hardship. Last year, Dench was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she’s now cancer free and recently told The Today Show she feels blessed to continue bringing joy to others.

The two have navigated grief and uncertainty together. Dench’s husband passed away in 2020 during the early days of COVID. Still, she and Hinton stayed committed to their annual Thanksgiving meal.