Tatiana Schlossberg, the 35-year-old granddaughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, has publicly revealed her terminal cancer diagnosis in a deeply personal essay.
A Devastating Diagnosis and Family Criticism
Ms Schlossberg, who is the daughter of former US ambassador Caroline Kennedy, disclosed that she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in May last year. She made this announcement on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather's assassination in Dallas, publishing her account in The New Yorker.
In her essay, she strongly criticised policies advocated by her relative, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. She expressed concern that measures supported by RFK Jr could negatively impact cancer patients like herself.
Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, had previously urged senators to reject his confirmation in Congress back in January. Mr Kennedy has generated significant controversy through his stance on vaccines, including stating that COVID-19 shots were no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.
Medical Battle and Personal Reflections
Following the birth of her second child, doctors noticed Ms Schlossberg's elevated white blood cell count, which led to her diagnosis. Her condition involves a rare mutation called Inversion 3, typically found in older patients.
The environmental journalist has undergone extensive treatment including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants. The first transplant used cells from her sister, while the second came from an unrelated donor.
She has also participated in clinical trials, though during her most recent trial, one of her doctors informed her that he could potentially keep her alive for about a year.
Family Legacy and Personal Anguish
Ms Schlossberg spoke emotionally about her fears that her young daughter and son might not remember her. She described feeling cheated and sad about not being able to continue "the wonderful life" she shared with her husband, George Moran.
She also reflected on the additional pain her illness brings to her family, particularly her mother. "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," she wrote.
The Kennedy family has experienced multiple tragedies related to cancer. Ms Schlossberg's grandmother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, died of cancer in 1994 at age 64, when Tatiana was under five years old.
Despite her family's attempts to shield her from their distress, Ms Schlossberg stated that she feels their pain every day as she continues her battle against the disease.
