Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has disclosed that she has terminal cancer, specifically acute myeloid leukemia. The 35-year-old shared her diagnosis in a deeply personal essay for El-Balad. Doctors estimate she may have less than a year to live.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
Schlossberg’s health issues began after the birth of her daughter in May 2024. During a routine checkup, her doctor noticed an abnormality in her white blood cell count. While the average count ranges between 4,000 and 11,000 cells per microliter, Schlossberg’s count was shockingly high at 131,000 cells per microliter.
Initially, doctors suggested the elevated count could be a temporary issue related to her recent pregnancy. However, further tests led to a diagnosis of leukemia. She expressed her disbelief in the diagnosis, stating, “I could not be cured by a standard course.”
Emotional Impact on Family
- Tatiana Schlossberg is the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg.
- Her mother, Caroline, is grappling with the emotional toll of losing a daughter after the assassination of her father, JFK.
- Schlossberg described her mother’s pain, adding, “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life.”
The diagnosis has significantly impacted her family dynamics. Schlossberg noted the heartfelt support she received from her husband, George Moran, a doctor. He has been an invaluable ally, managing conversations with doctors and insurance representatives on her behalf.
Treatment Journey
Soon after her diagnosis, Schlossberg faced a rigorous treatment plan that included months of chemotherapy and the possibility of a bone marrow transplant. Despite her previous health, she found herself in the hospital for five weeks after childbirth and later undergoing treatment at home.
Despite her fight against the disease, she learned earlier this year that her condition was terminal. She had also participated in clinical trials for a new immunotherapy treatment, hoping for a breakthrough.
A Message of Gratitude
Through her experience, Schlossberg has expressed immense gratitude to her family for their unwavering support. “They have held my hand unflinchingly while I have suffered,” she wrote, acknowledging the emotional burden her diagnosis has placed on her loved ones.
As she confronts these challenges, Schlossberg remains focused on her family, including her one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son. Her story highlights both the personal struggles of living with terminal cancer and the importance of family during times of crisis.
