JFK‘s Granddaughter Reveals Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Criticizes Robert F. Kennedy jr.’s Health Views
Tatiana Schlossberg,granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has revealed she is battling acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In a deeply personal essay published by The New York Times, Schlossberg details her experience with the disease and expresses profound concern over the presidential candidacy of her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing his long-held skepticism towards vaccines and his broader views on medical research.
Schlossberg’s diagnosis, received earlier this year, has brought into sharp focus the vital role of medical research and the healthcare system she now relies upon. Her critique of Kennedy Jr. stems from a fear that his policies could undermine the very institutions that are fighting her illness and those of countless others. The revelation comes as Kennedy Jr. continues his independent bid for the presidency, gaining traction with voters drawn to his anti-establishment stance and questioning of conventional wisdom.
The essay recounts Schlossberg’s treatment journey, highlighting the complexities and anxieties of navigating a serious illness. She describes the initial shock of the diagnosis and the intensive chemotherapy regimen she is undergoing. However, a central thread throughout her narrative is her growing unease with Kennedy Jr.’s public stance on health issues.
“Throughout my treatment, he had been on the national stage…But mostly as an embarrassment to me and the rest of my immediate family,” Schlossberg wrote, referencing his history as a vaccine opponent and his lack of medical expertise. She specifically points to his antipathy towards funding for medical research as a particularly troubling aspect of his platform.
The timing of Schlossberg’s disclosure coincides with recent concerns over potential cuts to federal research grants, initiated by the Trump administration. Experts like Dr. David Alsfeld, a leukemia specialist, emphasize the importance of continued funding for advancements in cancer treatment and research. “Pieces like this are so incredibly important to help bring it home for a lot of peopel,” Alsfeld said,noting the article’s ability to personalize the realities of a complex disease.
Schlossberg’s essay serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political decisions regarding healthcare and scientific funding, and a powerful plea for continued investment in medical research. Her story underscores the urgency of supporting the institutions dedicated to combating diseases like acute myeloid leukemia, which affects approximately 20,000 Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
