Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, disclosed on Saturday her terminal cancer diagnosis in an essay published in The New Yorker. She revealed that one of her doctors has predicted she might have about another year to live.
At just 34 years old, Schlossberg was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The diagnosis came shortly after the birth of her second child when a routine check revealed a high white blood cell count.
In her emotional reflection, published on the 62nd anniversary of JFK's assassination, Schlossberg detailed her struggles with treatment, including chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants. During her journey, she expressed her feelings of sadness and fear that her children might not remember her.
Moreover, she criticized her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Health and Human Services Secretary, for policies that could be detrimental to cancer patients. She urged Congress to reject his confirmation, highlighting how his decisions could impede medical research crucial for treatment advancements.
Schlossberg poignantly reflected on the pain she feels for her family, acknowledging the additional tragedy her illness brings into their lives. For my whole life, I have tried to be good... and now I feel I have added a new tragedy to our family's life, and there's nothing I can do to stop it, she said. This heartfelt essay underscores not only her personal struggle but also raises important discussions about health policy and its implications for patients battling serious illnesses.
