Wanda Dench, the Arizona grandmother who made headlines in 2016 for accidentally inviting a stranger, Jamal Hinton, to Thanksgiving dinner, has revealed that she’s battling breast cancer. 

In a heartfelt statement shared by Hinton on X (formerly known as Twitter) in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dench opened up about her diagnosis and the chemotherapy treatments she’s been undergoing. “You might know how we met in 2016 when I accidentally sent him a text inviting him to Thanksgiving when I thought I sent it to my grandson,” Dench began. “It went viral and it changed our life for the better, and we still plan on getting together for Thanksgiving next month as we have every year.”

Earlier this year, Dench explained that she developed bronchitis and underwent a CT scan to check her lungs. During that scan, doctors discovered a mass in her breast, prompting further tests. “That’s when a mass in my breast was detected, and they suggested I get a mammogram, and that verified I had breast cancer,” she said.

Dench emphasized that cancer doesn’t run in her family and that all of her previous mammograms had come back clear. She even had one two years ago, which she believed would be her last. “I was wrong,” she admitted. “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.”

Despite the difficult news, Dench remains optimistic and reflective. She shared that her battle with cancer has taught her valuable lessons, most importantly, the need to keep living life fully. 

“So continue getting your checkups, and continue to live YOUR life,” she urged in closing. See the full statement below.

Dench and Hinton’s bond has only grown stronger since their viral introduction. Through the years, they’ve continued to celebrate Thanksgiving together, and in 2020, Hinton stood by Dench as she mourned the loss of her husband, Lonnie Dench, who tragically passed away due to complications from COVID-19.