Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, revealed on March 2, 2024, that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In an emotional essay published in The New Yorker, Schlossberg disclosed that she has acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation known as Inversion 3. Her diagnosis came on the same day she welcomed her second child, May 25, 2024. Shortly after giving birth, medical professionals found that her white blood cell count was alarmingly high, which ultimately led to the cancer diagnosis.
In her essay, Schlossberg described her disbelief upon hearing the diagnosis. “I did not—could not—believe that they were talking about me,” she wrote, adding that she had just swum a mile the day before and felt in prime health. “This could not possibly be my life,” she expressed, illustrating the shock of her situation.
Ongoing Treatment and Family Support
Schlossberg spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital before her condition stabilized, allowing her to begin treatment at home. She later received a bone marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Despite these efforts, she experienced a relapse after undergoing additional chemotherapy.
In her essay, Schlossberg highlighted the unwavering support from her family during this challenging time. “My parents and my brother and sister have been raising my children and sitting in my various hospital rooms almost every day for the last year and a half,” she wrote. This support, she noted, has been a significant gift, despite the pain they all share.
Reflecting on her life, Schlossberg expressed a deep sense of guilt for adding to her family’s struggles. “For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry. Now I have added a new tragedy to her life,” she explained.
Clinical Trials and Advocacy
In January 2024, Schlossberg participated in a clinical trial for CAR T-cell therapy, an innovative form of immunotherapy targeting certain blood cancers, including leukemia. She recounted a conversation with her doctor, who informed her that the treatment could extend her life for about a year. “My first thought was that my kids… wouldn’t remember me,” she wrote, emphasizing her concern for her children’s memories of her.
Schlossberg also took the opportunity in her essay to address broader issues around healthcare access. She criticized her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was nominated to serve in President Donald Trump‘s cabinet as Health and Human Services Secretary. Schlossberg expressed her concern over Kennedy’s skepticism of vaccines and the potential implications for cancer survivors and vulnerable populations.
As she navigates her illness, Schlossberg remains focused on cherishing her time with her children. “Sometimes I trick myself into thinking I’ll remember this forever,” she wrote, acknowledging the uncertainty of memory and consciousness after death. “But since I don’t know what death is like, I’ll keep pretending. I will keep trying to remember.”
Tatiana Schlossberg’s candid reflections not only highlight her personal battle but also shed light on the complexities of healthcare and family dynamics in the face of terminal illness. Her story resonates deeply, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of family support.
