Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy, has shared the heartbreaking news of her terminal cancer diagnosis in an essay published in The New Yorker. The 35-year-old journalist revealed that she has been battling acute myeloid leukemia with a rare genetic mutation known as Inversion 3, which is present in fewer than 2% of AML cases. Her diagnosis came shortly after she welcomed her daughter in May 2024.
In her poignant essay, Schlossberg recounted the shock of receiving her diagnosis, stating, “I did not — could not — believe that they were talking about me.” Remarking on her health prior to the diagnosis, she recalled feeling robust, having swum a mile in the pool just a day before learning about her illness.
Tatiana has undergone an arduous treatment journey, encompassing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, two bone marrow transplants, and participation in two clinical trials. Compounding her health challenges, she developed a form of the Epstein-Barr virus that severely impacted her kidneys, forcing her to relearn how to walk. The gravity of her condition was underscored by her doctor’s somber prediction that he could ensure her survival for possibly just one more year.
A dedicated environmental journalist, Schlossberg is the daughter of former US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and renowned designer Edwin Schlossberg. She shares her life with her husband, George Moran, and their two young children, a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. In her essay, she expressed profound gratitude for her siblings, Rose and Jack, who have stepped in to help raise her children while providing her with emotional support during this difficult time.
During her treatment, Schlossberg noted the tumultuous nature of the healthcare system, particularly when the Trump administration cut federal funding to Columbia University, where she received care. Fortunately, a subsequent deal restored that funding, ensuring she continued receiving the support she needed.
Reflecting on her family’s tragic history, which includes the assassinations of her grandfather and great-uncle, Schlossberg expressed her sorrow over adding another layer of tragedy to her family’s narrative. “For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter,” she wrote. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”
Despite the somber nature of her diagnosis, Schlossberg’s account sheds light on the resilience of familial bonds and the indomitable spirit of love and support that can prevail even in the darkest of times. Her story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with loved ones.