Shriver and Jack Schlossberg Rally Behind Tatiana Schlossberg After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Maria Shriver, whose uncle was the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy, is offering her support to her relative, Tatiana Schlossberg, following Schlossberg's diagnosis with terminal cancer.

“Should you only have time for one read today, I urge you to delve into this remarkable essay from my cousin Caroline’s equally remarkable daughter, Tatiana,” Shriver, aged 70, posted on her Instagram on Saturday, November 22. This coincided with the publication of Schlossberg’s poignant essay in The New Yorker, where she revealed her diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia and a prognosis of merely a year to live.

“Tatiana is a gifted writer, a dedicated journalist, a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend,” Shriver elaborated in her post, which featured images from the essay. “This article chronicles her experiences over the past eighteen months. It serves as a tribute to the physicians and nurses tirelessly working at the forefront of healthcare. It encompasses so much; it's truly best to read it firsthand and be deeply moved by this individual's personal journey.”

She wrapped up by saying, “Furthermore, let this serve as an encouragement to appreciate the life you have today, at this precise moment. A direct link to the complete article is available in my stories.”

Tatiana Schlossberg's Brother Jack Speaks Out Regarding Sister's Terminal Cancer

Schlossberg — whose parents are Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg — discovered her cancer diagnosis following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May 2024. (Tatiana and her spouse, George Moran, who married in 2017, are also parents to a three-year-old son.)

The author stated that her physician observed an irregularity in her white blood cell count, initially speculating that it stemmed from her pregnancy or a complication during childbirth. Medical professionals subsequently identified that she possesses “a seldom-seen mutation referred to as Inversion 3.”

“I simply couldn't fathom — and refused to accept — that they were referring to me,” Tatiana expressed in the The New Yorker essay, which came out on Saturday. “The day before, I had completed a mile swim, despite being nine months pregnant. I wasn't ill. I didn't experience any symptoms of sickness. In fact, I considered myself among the healthiest individuals I knew. I had an adored son and a newborn requiring my care.”

Tatiana’s brother, Jack Schlossberg, similarly expressed solidarity with his sister on Saturday following her heartbreaking diagnosis. The political hopeful — currently campaigning for New York’s 12th congressional district in a bid for a seat in Congress — posted an image of the essay and a corresponding link on his Instagram Stories. In a follow-up update, he shared another screenshot featuring the essay's introductory paragraph.

“In the face of mortality, at least from my confined perspective, memories begin to resurface,” the paragraph states. “Vivid images flash by — faces, locations, and random snippets of dialogue — in an unending stream. I envision my elementary school best friend and me crafting a mud pie in her yard, adorning it with candles and a miniature American flag, then observing with alarm as the flag ignites. I recall my college boyfriend in boat shoes days after an unprecedented snowstorm, stumbling into a puddle of slush. Desiring to end our relationship, I found myself laughing uncontrollably.”

Within the essay, Tatiana additionally took aim at her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the current Secretary of Health and Human Services and has gained notoriety for promoting unfounded claims regarding vaccine safety.

“By August 2024, he had paused his campaign and publicly backed Donald Trump, who declared his intention to ‘unleash Bobby’ on health matters,’” she penned. “My mother authored a letter to the Senate, attempting to block his appointment; my brother has consistently challenged his falsehoods for many months. From my hospital room, I witnessed Bobby’s confirmation to the role, despite a lack of experience in medicine, public health, or governmental affairs, and in defiance of logical reasoning and established facts.”

Tatiana Schlossberg Challenges Cousin RFK Jr. As She Reveals Her Cancer Diagnosis

She proceeded, “Bobby is a recognized vaccine doubter, and my particular worry was that I might be unable to receive my own vaccinations again, consequently condemning me to a life of weakened immunity, a fate shared by millions of cancer survivors, young children, and seniors.”

RFK Jr. has not, as of yet, publicly addressed Tatiana’s essay, her diagnosis, or her remarks concerning his views on vaccine hesitancy. During an earlier conversation with CNN, the incumbent HHS secretary contended that political disagreements among family members are a shared experience for countless other Americans.

“My family is quite large,” he stated back then. “I don't believe there's anyone in America with a family where every member sees eye-to-eye on all issues.”