Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis in Essay

Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has disclosed her terminal cancer diagnosis in a heartfelt essay published in The New Yorker. The 35-year-old journalist revealed that she is battling acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer that was diagnosed last year after the birth of her second child.

In her poignant reflection, Schlossberg shared that the diagnosis came as a shock. After her daughter’s birth, her doctor detected an imbalance in her white blood cell count, which ultimately led to the identification of a rare mutation known as Inversion 3. “I did not — could not — believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick,” she expressed.

Following her diagnosis, Schlossberg underwent extensive treatment, starting with a five-week stay at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She later moved to Memorial Sloan Kettering for a bone marrow transplant and continued her recovery with chemotherapy at home. In January, she joined a clinical trial for CAR-T-cell therapy, an innovative immunotherapy designed to target certain blood cancers. Despite these efforts, doctors informed her that she might have just one year to live.

In her essay, Schlossberg highlighted the incredible support of her family during this challenging time. She noted her partner, George, who took on numerous responsibilities, including communicating with medical professionals on her behalf. “My parents and my brother and sister, too, have been raising my children and sitting in my various hospital rooms almost every day for the last year and a half,” she wrote, acknowledging their unwavering presence despite their own emotional burdens.

As she contemplates her situation, Schlossberg reflected on her children and the importance of creating lasting memories. “Sometimes I trick myself into thinking I’ll remember this forever… I will keep trying to remember,” she stated, conveying both her determination and the harsh reality of her diagnosis.

Schlossberg, who has made significant contributions to environmental journalism, has chosen to share her journey in hopes of raising awareness about her condition. Her candidness sheds light on the personal struggles faced by many dealing with terminal illness, emphasizing the human impact of such diagnoses.

This essay marks a significant moment in her life, illustrating both the challenges of her health journey and the love of her family. As she navigates this difficult chapter, Schlossberg’s story resonates with countless individuals and families facing similar battles, reminding us of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of familial bonds.