Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis in Heartbreaking Essay

Tatiana Schlossberg has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 35-year-old granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy shared her prognosis publicly. She revealed she has less than a year to live.

Her diagnosis came just hours after she gave birth to her daughter. The news adds another tragic chapter to the Kennedy family history. She detailed her journey in a powerful essay for The New Yorker.

A Sudden Diagnosis After Childbirth

Schlossberg received her diagnosis on May 25, 2024. Doctors identified acute myeloid leukemia minutes after her daughter was born. Her white-blood-cell count was dangerously high.

She was immediately admitted to Columbia Presbyterian hospital. She spent five weeks there before beginning chemotherapy at home. Her treatment later moved to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.

According to Reuters, acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive blood cancer. Her specific mutation, Inversion 3, is particularly rare. This makes effective treatment extremely challenging.

Aggressive Treatment and Family Support

Schlossberg underwent two bone-marrow transplants. She also received CAR T-cell therapy through clinical trials. Despite these efforts, her cancer continued to return.

Her husband, Dr. George Moran, has cared for their two young children. Her siblings and parents have provided constant support. They have helped raise her children during her hospital stays.

Her brother, Jack Schlossberg, is running for Congress. Her sister, Rose, is a filmmaker. The family has rallied around her during this difficult time.

A Family Legacy Marked by Tragedy

The Kennedy family has endured many public losses. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Robert F. Kennedy was killed five years later.

John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died from cancer in 1994. Ethel Kennedy, Robert’s widow, passed away recently in 2024.

Schlossberg’s essay was published on the anniversary of her grandfather’s death. She expressed sorrow at adding to her family’s pain. Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, has now faced immense personal loss.

Political Context and Personal Struggle

Schlossberg wrote about her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She criticized his cuts to mRNA and NIH clinical trial funding.

She expressed concern for women’s healthcare access. Her own treatment involved misoprostol, a drug under FDA review. This intersection of policy and personal health underscored her message.

According to the Associated Press, federal funding for Columbia University was briefly threatened. This caused anxiety about her care continuity. The funding was later restored.

Tatiana Schlossberg’s terminal cancer diagnosis reveals the fragility of life amidst great privilege. Her story connects personal tragedy with broader healthcare policy debates. Her public sharing provides a deeply human perspective on loss and legacy.

Thought you’d like to know

What type of cancer does Tatiana Schlossberg have?

She has acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. It is a fast-moving blood and bone marrow cancer. Her specific genetic mutation is called Inversion 3.

How did doctors discover her cancer?

They found it right after she gave birth to her daughter. Routine bloodwork showed a very high white-blood-cell count. This led to immediate further testing and diagnosis.

What treatments has she undergone?

She had two bone-marrow transplants and multiple chemotherapy rounds. She also received CAR T-cell therapy in a clinical trial. Despite this, the cancer has returned.

Who is caring for her children?

Her husband, Dr. George Moran, is their primary caregiver. Her parents, Caroline and Edwin Schlossberg, and her siblings are also heavily involved. They help raise her young son and daughter.

Why did she publish her story?

She wanted to share her experience with a serious illness. Her essay also comments on healthcare policy and family legacy. It serves as a personal reflection on her limited time.

Trusted Sources

The New Yorker, Reuters, Associated Press