Tatiana Schlossberg's Battle with Cancer: A Granddaughter's Struggle and Legacy

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:11:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, reveals her terminal cancer diagnosis. An advocate for climate issues and a mother of two, she shares her fears and reflections in a heartfelt essay.

In an emotional essay published in The New Yorker, Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, recounts her struggle with acute myeloid leukemia and the implications of her diagnosis, including concerns for her children and a poignant response to her cousin’s political career. This revelation comes as Schlossberg navigates her battle while emphasizing her commitment to climate advocacy.

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, has recently disclosed her diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer, stating she has been given less than a year to live. At just 35 years old, Schlossberg shared her heartbreaking news in an essay in The New Yorker on the anniversary of her grandfather's assassination.

The mother of two and climate journalist expressed her situation amidst revelations regarding her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed as US health secretary under Trump. She describes feelings of alarm as her health deteriorated and she watched her cousin's confirmation while battling illness.

In the deeply personal essay titled 'A Battle With My Blood,' Schlossberg detailed her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia following the birth of her second child in May 2024. Previously living an active and healthy lifestyle, she reflected on her traumatic journey through treatment, including a difficult bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy, ultimately leading to her current prognosis.

During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe, Schlossberg writes. This statement triggered an emotional response, particularly concerning her legacy for her children. My kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn't remember me, she lamented.

As she reflected on her family's history of loss, she shared concerns about the impact of her death on her mother, Caroline Kennedy, and wished to spare her from further grief. Schlossberg, who has witnessed considerable personal tragedies in her family, alluded to her trauma watching RFK Jr. ascend politically as she fought for her own life.

The essay captures Schlossberg's bravery and dedication not only to her health battle but also her commitment to climate activism, as she confronts both her mortality and the socio-political landscape within her family. Her compelling narrative not only touches on personal struggles but also sheds light on the interconnectedness of family, health, and responsibility toward future generations.