Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and daughter of Caroline Kennedy, has revealed she has terminal cancer and has sharply criticised her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, over his policies. In a powerful essay published in the New Yorker, Schlossberg disclosed her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia and expressed concern about the future of medical research.
Rare Diagnosis After Childbirth
Schlossberg was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia with Inversion 3, shortly after giving birth to her second child in May 2024. At just 34 years old, the diagnosis came as a shock. She has since undergone chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, and participated in clinical trials. Despite these efforts, her doctor has indicated she may only have about a year to live.
Criticism of RFK Jr.'s Policies
In her essay, Schlossberg directly criticised Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s policies, arguing they will negatively impact cancer patients and medical research. She specifically highlighted his cuts to mRNA vaccine research and funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "As I spent more and more of my life under the care of doctors, nurses, and researchers striving to improve the lives of others, I watched as Bobby cut nearly a half billion dollars for research into mRNA vaccines, technology that could be used against certain cancers," she wrote.
Impact on Research
Schlossberg expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on researchers at Columbia University, where her husband works. She noted that the university had already laid off researchers due to federal funding cuts. She fears that further cuts will cripple medical research and limit treatment options for patients like herself.
- Concerns about future for children
- Frustration over potentially missed opportunities
- Calls for continued medical research funding
Schlossberg's revelation and critique come on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather's assassination, adding further weight to her message. Her mother, Caroline Kennedy, had previously urged senators to reject RFK Jr.'s confirmation. The essay underscores the personal and societal implications of healthcare policies and the vital importance of funding medical research.