Trigger warning: This article discusses cancer and family conflict, which may be distressing to some readers.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, revealed in The New Yorker that she has been diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia, just months after giving birth to her second child in May 2024.
The 35-year-old climate journalist shared her story on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination, also expressing sharp criticism of her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his controversial appointment as U.S. health secretary under the Trump administration.
Schlossberg described the shock of her diagnosis, emphasizing that she had considered herself exceptionally healthy. “I was the healthiest person I knew,” she reflected, recounting a life filled with running, skiing, and even plunging into New York’s Hudson River to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Yet despite aggressive treatment, the leukemia proved relentless, causing severe side effects such as painful mouth sores and difficulty eating, and leaving her with a prognosis she described as terminal.
She recounted the moment her life changed: her daughter was born at 7:05 a.m. on May 25, 2024, just ten minutes after arriving at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital. Hours later, a routine blood test revealed a white-blood-cell count of 131,000 cells per microliter—far beyond the normal range of 4,000 to 11,000. Doctors initially considered a pregnancy-related anomaly, but soon confirmed the devastating truth: aggressive leukemia, unlikely to be cured despite chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Her essay also details the anguish of watching her cousin RFK Jr. assume the role of U.S. health secretary, despite lacking formal medical or public health training. “I watched from my hospital bed as Bobby, in the face of logic and common sense, was confirmed for the position,” she wrote. “The healthcare system I relied upon felt suddenly strained and shaky.” Schlossberg described the appointment as a source of embarrassment and tension within her family, compounding the challenges of facing a terminal illness.
Even while confronting her own mortality, Schlossberg remains committed to documenting her experiences and preserving memories. Her focus is on living fully with her family, cherishing the moments she has left, and advocating for awareness and truth in both her personal and public life.
Conclusion
Tatiana Schlossberg’s story is a profound reflection on resilience, mortality, and the complexities of family dynamics. Facing a terminal diagnosis while navigating public scrutiny and personal loss, she demonstrates remarkable courage and clarity. Her narrative is a reminder of the strength required to confront life’s harshest realities while striving to create meaning, preserve memory, and advocate for the values one holds dear.