The much-loved story of Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton—the grandmother and stranger who forged an unlikely Thanksgiving tradition after a wrong-number text—has reached an emotional milestone ten years after their first shared meal.

Their friendship began in 2016, when Dench accidentally invited Hinton to Thanksgiving, believing she was texting her grandson. When Hinton asked if the invitation still stood, she famously replied, “That’s what grandmas do—feed everyone.” Their exchange went viral, and a one-time dinner soon became an annual ritual cherished by millions who followed their journey.

Over the years, their bond grew far beyond the holiday table. Hinton supported Dench after she lost her husband, Lonnie, to COVID-19 in 2020, and the two even shared lighthearted moments, including getting matching tattoos.

Last year, however, their tradition was disrupted. Dench revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after a CT scan for bronchitis uncovered a lump. Chemotherapy left her immunocompromised, forcing her to miss Thanksgiving with Hinton’s family for the first time. Instead, they connected through a livestream so she could still participate in the celebration.

This year brings much better news: Dench is officially cancer-free. She and Hinton reunited for Thanksgiving once again, partnering with Green Giant to provide the full holiday spread.

Their story has touched so many lives that Netflix announced plans for a film inspired by their tradition, though updates remain limited.

Dench hopes their decade-long friendship reminds people of what Thanksgiving is truly about—good food, connection, and opening your heart to unexpected blessings.