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This week, erstwhile strangers Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton, who first connected eight years ago through an accidental text message exchange, will celebrate their ninth Thanksgiving together.
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Hinton posted a collage of pictures of himself and Dench across the years on Instagram on Monday. The caption read, “I’m thrilled to reveal that I’m hosting Thanksgiving for Wanda and myself this year! 🦃✨ Anticipating a day full of delicious food, wonderful company, and enduring memories. Year 9 will arrive soon!🖤.
One month after Dench announced her breast cancer diagnosis in a post posted to Hinton’s Instagram and social media accounts, the joyous news was made.
Dench revealed that a CT scan for bronchitis unexpectedly revealed a tumor in her breast, which led to a subsequent diagnosis of breast cancer. At the time, she was thinking back on their unexpected connection and how it had positively impacted their lives. Given that cancer does not run in her family and that all of her prior mammograms were clear, Dench expressed her surprise at receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer.
“When I turned 65 in 2022, I assumed it would be my final mammography and that I wouldn’t have to worry about it ever again. However, she stated at the time, “I was mistaken.”
Dench claimed that although the diagnosis surprised her at first, it also introduced her to “wonderful people” during her medical care. She also encouraged people to value life and make routine checks a priority.
“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,” she wrote in her letter. “So continue getting your checkups, and continue to live YOUR life!”
After Hinton got a Thanksgiving text message from Dench intended for her family in 2016, the two became friends.
Dench responded, “Of course you can,” when Hinton casually inquired if he could still join him for dinner after he had confirmed the error. Grandmas feed everyone, that’s what they do.”
Soon after, the two became friends, and their story went viral. Since then, the two have gotten together for Thanksgiving every year.
Through the highs and lows of life, their friendship has remained strong: Dench revealed in 2020 that her husband Lonnie had passed away from COVID-19.
Netflix revealed in 2021 that it would produce a movie called “The Thanksgiving Text,” which would explore their special relationship. According to Netflix, the film will emphasize their close friendship in spite of their differences as well as the strange bond that was started by a mistaken number.
“We hope it inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn’t ordinarily make,” Hinton and Dench said in a statement released by Netflix at the time. “We are so blessed to find a genuine friendship brought together by God from a mistaken text message.”
