Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has publicly disclosed that she is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. In a deeply personal essay published in The New Yorker, the environmental journalist revealed that her doctor has indicated she may have about a year to live.
A Shocking Diagnosis at a Young Age
Schlossberg received her life-altering diagnosis in May 2024 at the age of 34. The discovery was made after the birth of her second child, when a routine doctor's appointment revealed an abnormally high white blood cell count. Further tests confirmed she had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a rare mutation, a form of cancer typically seen in older patients.
The timing of her essay's publication was profoundly significant, appearing on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather's assassination. Schlossberg has undergone an aggressive treatment regimen, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants. The first transplant used cells from her sister, while the second utilized cells from an unrelated donor. She has also participated in clinical trials in her fight against the disease.
Family, Politics, and Personal Reflection
In her writing, Schlossberg expressed concern over health policies advanced by her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. She specifically highlighted his role in cutting nearly a half-billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccine technology, which she noted could be used in the fight against certain cancers. Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, has publicly urged senators to reject RFK Jr.'s confirmation.
On a deeply personal level, Schlossberg shared her profound sadness about the future she will miss. She fears her young daughter and son will not remember her and feels cheated that she will not be able to continue living the wonderful life she built with her husband, George Moran. She also wrote about the heavy burden of adding a new tragedy to her family's life, particularly for her mother, whom she has always tried to protect from pain.
A Legacy of Strength and Advocacy
Despite the devastating prognosis, Schlossberg's essay stands as a powerful testament to her resilience and her background in journalism. Her decision to share her story publicly brings a human face to the ongoing challenges of cancer treatment and the critical importance of medical research. The piece has resonated deeply, connecting her personal health battle with the very public legacy of the Kennedy family.
