Grandma and Teen She Accidentally Texted Meet Again This Thanksgiving Despite Cancer Diagnosis
By Movieguide® Contributor
Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton were never supposed to meet, but a text sent to the wrong number almost 10 years ago changed their lives and resulted in a sweet Thanksgiving tradition.
This year, though, Dench is battling cancer.
“Hi, my name is Wanda, 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,” she said in a message posted to Hinton’s Instagram on Oct. 16. “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.”
READ MORE: WRONG TEXT RESULTS IN ULTIMATE THANKSGIVING TRADITION – AND A NEW MOVIE
She explained that she got a CT scan earlier this year after she came down with bronchitis.
“That’s when a mass in my breast was detected and they suggested I get a mammogram and that verified I had breast cancer. I am have been currently going through chemotherapy. Cancer does not run in my family and all the mammograms I had in the past were always negative. In 2022 I turned 65 years old and I thought I would have my last mammogram and not have to think about it again. But I was wrong.”
Through the treatment process, though, she holds onto hope and is grateful for her friends and family.
“I’ve 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,” Dench added. “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!”
She concluded her update with Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
The Paducah Sun reported that Dench’s “treatment will not hinder this year’s Thanksgiving get-together. She and Hinton plan to meet for the holiday to continue their annual tradition, started by a texting typo and flourishing with a connection in real life.”
READ MORE: ACCIDENTAL TEXT RESULTS IN 8-YEAR THANKSGIVING TRADITION: ‘JOIN US!’
