John F. Kennedy’s granddaughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, revealed on Saturday that she has terminal cancer, penning an emotional essay in 'The New Yorker' where she discusses her diagnosis and her cousin's controversial health policies. At just 34, Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after her doctor noticed an alarming increase in her white blood cell count following the birth of her second child.
The publication of her essay coincided with the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, adding a layer of poignant reflection to her narrative. In her piece, she describes the tumult of undergoing numerous treatments, including chemotherapy and stem cell transplants, stating that her doctor suggested she might only have a year to live.
Schlossberg criticized the healthcare policies backed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Health and Human Services Secretary, which she argued could negatively affect cancer research and patient support. She pointed out how approximately $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research was cut—research that could potentially benefit cancer treatment.
Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, has publicly opposed RFK Jr.’s policies and urged senators to reject his confirmation, amplifying the family’s public divide over health issues. In her essay, Schlossberg reflects on the emotional toll her condition takes not only on her but also on her family, fearing that her young children may not remember her.
Schlossberg articulates her sadness and frustration at feeling that she is adding a new tragedy to her family's legacy. 'For my whole life, I have tried to be good... and to protect my mother from pain,' she shared, underscoring her deep connections and sorrow over her impending loss.
