Tatiana Schlossberg, the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, has bravely shared her battle with terminal cancer in a heartfelt essay published in The New Yorker on November 22. The 35-year-old received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, with medical professionals predicting she has less than a year to live.
Schlossberg’s journey began shortly after the birth of her second child in May 2024, when her doctor detected an anomaly in her white blood cell count. She described the moment she learned of her condition, detailing how her count registered at a staggering 131,000 cells per microliter, far exceeding the normal range of 4,000 to 11,000. Despite initially considering the possibility of it being related to her recent pregnancy, further tests confirmed the presence of a rare mutation known as Inversion 3.
In her essay, Schlossberg recounted the initial disbelief she felt upon learning the seriousness of her condition. She had just completed a mile swim while nine months pregnant and considered herself one of the healthiest people she knew. The diagnosis shifted her world dramatically, as she soon faced the prospect of undergoing months of chemotherapy and a bone-marrow transplant.
Following her diagnosis, Schlossberg spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital and subsequently received a bone-marrow transplant at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she also began chemotherapy at home. In January, she participated in a clinical trial for CAR-T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy used to treat specific blood cancers. Despite the treatments, her doctor ultimately conveyed the painful news that she had a limited timeframe left to live.
In her poignant essay, Schlossberg paid tribute to her husband’s unwavering support throughout her ordeal. She expressed gratitude for his commitment, stating that he took on responsibilities for both her medical care and their family. With her parents and siblings also stepping in to assist with her children, Schlossberg emphasized the importance of familial love during such a challenging time.
Reflecting on the profound impact her illness has had, especially on her mother, Schlossberg acknowledged the additional burden it places on her loved ones. While she strives to live in the moment with her family, she admits that embracing the present can be incredibly difficult amidst her circumstances.
Through her narrative, Schlossberg not only informs readers of her struggle with cancer but also highlights the strength found in love and support from family during moments of hardship. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.