Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis at 34

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, has publicly shared her devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer. In a poignant essay published in The New Yorker over the weekend, coinciding with the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, Schlossberg disclosed that she may have only about a year to live.

At 34 years of age, Schlossberg revealed that she received her diagnosis in May 2024 following routine tests conducted after the birth of her second child. These tests indicated an abnormally high white blood cell count, prompting further examinations that confirmed she has acute myeloid leukaemia, a condition typically seen in older adults and characterized by a rare mutation.

In her essay, the environmental journalist elaborated on her challenging treatment journey. This has involved multiple rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants—one utilizing cells from her sister and another from an unrelated donor—as well as participation in clinical trials. Reflecting on one recent trial, she recalled her doctor stating, “he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”

Schlossberg’s essay also addressed her concerns regarding health policies championed by her cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. She warned that these policies might adversely affect cancer patients like herself. In her words, “As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers.”

Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, has echoed these concerns, urging senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

As Schlossberg navigates her diagnosis, she has expressed profound emotional struggles. She articulated her fear that her young children might not remember her as they grow up. The thought of leaving her husband, George Moran, and her children behind causes her immense heartache. She reflected on the pain her diagnosis has caused her family, noting that despite their attempts to conceal their anguish, she feels their distress daily.

“For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry,” Schlossberg wrote. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”

Schlossberg’s story has resonated deeply, highlighting not only her personal battle with cancer but also the broader implications of health policy on patients’ lives. As she continues her treatment, her reflections bring to light the importance of ongoing research and support for those facing similar challenges.