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Wanda Dench, famously known as the “Thanksgiving Grandma,” had some tough personal news to share with her legion of fans — she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 67.
The Arizona native, who went viral after a text mix-up over a Thanksgiving dinner led to a new friendship, announced her diagnosis on Wednesday, October 16, in a heartfelt post shared by her now-friend, Jamal Hinton, on X (formerly Twitter).
“Earlier this year I came down with bronchitis and had a CT scan to check out my lungs,” Dench’s message began. “That’s when a mass in my breast was detected and they suggested I get a mammogram and that verified I had breast cancer.”
Despite having no family history of cancer and prior negative mammograms, the diagnosis came as a shock. “Cancer does not run in my family and all the mammograms I had in the past were always negative,” she said.
The social media personality thought she was past the age of needing mammograms but has since learned otherwise. “In 2022, I turned 65 years old and I thought I would have my last mammogram and not have to think about it again,” she continued, adding, “But I was wrong.”
Dench went on to say that “After the shock wore off, I [met] with the most wonderful people at the Breast Cancer Center. Everyone was so kind, supportive and knowledgeable. My family and friends quickly came to my aid and have supported me through everything.”
Wrapping up her post, the beloved grandmother explained that she’s “learned a lot of life’s lessons through it all, but what I want to stress most of all is just because you may be older, we still have a life to live.” She continued, “After watching the Golden Bachelor last year that gave me hope that I could still find love in my senior years. So continue getting your checkups, and continue to live YOUR life!”
Support poured in quickly after Hinton posted the news.
“Much love to our grandma!” one person exclaimed.
“Omgggg🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺💗💗💗💗💗💗 stay strong Wanda!” another said.
“Praying with you and for her. This story was one of beauty bro. I love how God worked in this and He’s still working. She will heal! 🙏🏾✌🏾,” chimed in a third.
For those out of the loop, Dench and Hinton’s friendship began in 2016 when Dench, attempting to text her grandson an invitation to Thanksgiving, mistakenly sent the message to Hinton — a stranger at the time. Their exchange quickly went viral after Hinton asked, “Can I still get a plate tho?” to which Dench replied, “Of course you can. That’s what grandma’s do…feed everyone.”
Since then, the pair have continued their Thanksgiving tradition annually, and according to Dench, this year will be no exception. “We still plan on getting together for Thanksgiving next month as we have every year.”
