Tatiana Schlossberg Faces Cancer Diagnosis with Courage and Resolve

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy, has revealed her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer. The announcement came in a touching essay published in The New Yorker on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination. At just 35 years old, Schlossberg faces a prognosis of about one year to live, a heartbreaking twist following the birth of her second child in May 2024.

Schlossberg’s diagnosis, linked to a genetic mutation known as Inversion 3, was discovered shortly after her daughter’s arrival. In her essay, she described how the joy of welcoming her daughter was overshadowed by the shock of her illness. Since then, Schlossberg has undergone a challenging series of treatments, including chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and participation in clinical trials, such as CAR-T-cell therapy.

From Prominence to Personal Struggle

As a prominent member of the Kennedy family, Schlossberg has long been in the public eye. In 2013, she leveraged her influence to support blood cancer research by completing a charity swim in the Hudson River. Now, this personal battle against cancer signifies a profound shift in her life and work.

Schlossberg is the daughter of Caroline Kennedy, JFK’s only surviving child, and designer Edwin Schlossberg. She has established herself as a respected journalist and author, focusing on climate change and environmental issues. Her book, Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have, published in 2019, received critical acclaim. Prior to her diagnosis, Schlossberg had been preparing a book about ocean conservation, illustrating her dedication to environmental advocacy.

Her career began in 2012 with The Record in New Jersey, where she quickly gained recognition as the Rookie of the Year. She later wrote for The New York Times, covering environmental issues and contributing to other notable publications, including The Washington Post and Vanity Fair.

Support from Family and Community

Throughout her treatment, Schlossberg has received unwavering support from her family, particularly her husband, George Moran, a physician at Columbia University. In her essay, she expressed gratitude for his constant presence, stating, “George did everything for me that he possibly could.” Her siblings also played a crucial role; her older sister, Rose Schlossberg, was a perfect match for a stem cell donation, while her brother, Jack Schlossberg, continues to support her despite being a half-match.

Jack has spoken publicly about his sister’s diagnosis, sharing her article on social media with a poignant message about the brevity of life. In contrast, Schlossberg’s feelings about her estranged cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reflect a family divide, particularly regarding his recent appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

In a deeply personal reflection, Schlossberg acknowledged the disbelief she felt upon receiving her diagnosis, especially given her active lifestyle. Just before her diagnosis, she had completed a mile swim while nine months pregnant. A fitness enthusiast, she regularly runs and participates in endurance events, including a fifty-kilometer cross-country race.

Despite the challenges ahead, Schlossberg’s narrative emphasizes resilience. She concluded her essay with a dedication to her identity as a writer, stating, “I remind my son that I am a writer, so that he will know that I was not just a sick person.” As she navigates this difficult journey, her commitment to sharing her story and advocating for environmental issues remains unwavering.