Tatiana Schlossberg cancer diagnosis reveals her fight with acute myeloid leukemia
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, publicly revealed in November 2025 that she has been diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of acute myeloid leukemia. Diagnosed shortly after giving birth to her second child in May 2024, her doctors estimate she has less than a year to live despite undergoing intense treatments, including chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Schlossberg shared her deeply personal story in a poignant essay published in The New Yorker on the anniversary of JFK’s assassination, highlighting the emotional and physical ordeal she faces while juggling motherhood and illness.
Experiencing Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Diagnosis and Treatment Struggles
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly the variant Tatiana faces with a rare genetic mutation called Inversion 3, is an aggressive cancer usually seen in older adults. Schlossberg’s diagnosis was initially disguised by pregnancy-related symptoms but became clear after a high white blood cell count triggered further tests. Despite a previously healthy and active lifestyle, including running and skiing, her life quickly shifted as she entered rigorous chemotherapy cycles, two bone marrow transplants, and clinical trials. Her resilience is marked by the harsh reality that treatment success remains uncertain, with her doctor admitting that survival beyond a year is optimistic.
The Emotional Impact on the Kennedy Family
Tatiana Schlossberg comes from a lineage often marked by public service and personal tragedy, including the assassinations of her grandfather John F. Kennedy and uncle John F. Kennedy Jr., and the cancer-related death of her grandmother Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In her essay, Tatiana expresses profound sorrow over adding a new chapter of grief to her family, especially the pain it causes her mother, Caroline Kennedy, a former U.S. ambassador. She reveals her lifelong struggle to be a “good daughter” and now grapples with the helplessness of her diagnosis as she looks toward her children’s future without her.
Criticism of RFK Jr.’s Role as Health Secretary Amid Personal Struggles
During her battle with cancer, Schlossberg openly criticized her second cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the U.S. Health Secretary under President Donald Trump. Having watched RFK Jr.’s confirmation unfold while confined in hospital beds, she voiced alarm over his controversial tenure marked by skepticism of vaccines and funding cuts to vital medical research. For Schlossberg, this political backdrop added strain to an already fragile healthcare system—one that she depended on for treatment and hope. Her essay underscores the tension between family legacy and differing views on public health policies.
A Legacy Beyond Illness: Tatiana’s Hopes and Advocacy
Despite her dire prognosis, Tatiana Schlossberg’s story is also one of courage and advocacy. She plans to channel her energies toward raising awareness about cancer and healthcare challenges. Before falling ill, she intended to write a book about the oceans and environmental concerns, reflecting her career as a climate journalist. By sharing her journey candidly, she is fostering empathy and a call to action on health research funding and support systems for patients with terminal illnesses.
