Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis at 34

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, has announced her diagnosis of terminal cancer, revealing that she may have less than a year to live. In a poignant essay published in The New Yorker over the weekend, coinciding with the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, Schlossberg shared her struggle and the impact of the diagnosis on her family.

At 34 years old, Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May 2024, following routine tests that revealed an unusually high white blood cell count after the birth of her second child. Further investigations confirmed the diagnosis, which includes a rare mutation typically found in older adults, as reported by 1News.

Treatment Journey and Family Impact

As an environmental journalist, Schlossberg has documented her challenging treatment journey, which has involved multiple rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants—one from her sister and another from an unrelated donor. She has also participated in clinical trials. During one of these trials, her doctor candidly informed her that he “could keep me alive for a year, maybe,” according to 1News.

In her essay, Schlossberg expressed her deep concern regarding health policies supported by her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who currently serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She warned that these policies might adversely affect cancer patients like herself. Schlossberg criticized the reduction of nearly $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research, technology she believes could have applications in fighting certain cancers.

In response to her cousin’s positions, her mother, Caroline Kennedy, has taken a public stance, urging senators to reject his confirmation, as cited by 1News.

Personal Reflections and Emotional Struggles

Schlossberg’s essay also delves into the emotional turmoil brought on by her diagnosis. She articulated her fears that her young children may not remember her as they grow older. The thought of leaving behind “the wonderful life” she has built with her husband, George Moran, has left her heartbroken.

Reflecting on her family’s dynamics, Schlossberg noted that while her parents and siblings have attempted to mask their pain, she feels their anguish daily. She wrote, “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. 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.”

This candid account not only highlights Schlossberg’s fight against cancer but also emphasizes the broader implications of health care policy on families facing similar battles. Her narrative serves as a reminder of the personal stories that lie behind medical diagnoses and the ongoing struggles many endure in the face of illness.