Tatiana Schlossberg Reveals Terminal Leukemia Diagnosis in Heartbreaking Essay

Tatiana Schlossberg has announced a terminal leukemia diagnosis. The journalist and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy shared the news publicly. Her powerful essay was published by The New Yorker on November 22, 2025.

Schlossberg detailed her aggressive cancer journey. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Her doctors have given her a prognosis of about one year to live.

A Sudden Diagnosis After Childbirth

Schlossberg first noticed symptoms after giving birth to her second daughter in May 2024. Her white blood cell count was dangerously high. It reached 131,000, far above the normal range of 4,000 to 11,000.

Doctors initially thought it was a pregnancy-related issue. Hours later, they confirmed it was cancer. The diagnosis shocked the otherwise healthy 35-year-old.

She had been exceptionally fit before her illness. She regularly ran long distances in Central Park. She even competed in a demanding ski race just before her pregnancy.

An Aggressive Treatment Battle

Schlossberg underwent an intense medical fight. She spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital for initial chemotherapy. The treatment caused severe side effects, including hair loss.

Her sister donated stem cells for a bone marrow transplant. This first procedure put her into remission. Unfortunately, the cancer returned multiple times.

She then tried cutting-edge CAR-T cell therapy. This involved engineering her sister’s immune cells to attack the cancer. She developed a serious inflammatory response that required high-flow oxygen.

A second bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor followed in April. She relapsed again after this procedure. She has lost significant weight and had to relearn how to walk.

Family Support and Political Concerns

Her family has provided crucial support throughout her ordeal. Her parents, Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, have been caring for her two young children. Her sister’s stem cell donation was a key part of her treatment.

In her essay, Schlossberg expressed concern about her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political influence. RFK Jr. now serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She worries about his anti-vaccine views affecting medical research funding.

She highlighted that vaccine availability saved her life during cancer treatment. She also noted that funding cuts have already affected clinical trials. Research at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering faces uncertainty.

Focus on Family and Future

Schlossberg now concentrates on creating memories with her children. Her son is two years old, and her daughter was born just before her diagnosis. She missed many early moments with her baby due to hospitalizations.

Her greatest fear is that her children won’t remember her. She treasures simple moments at home with them. Before her illness, she planned to write a book about ocean conservation.

She continues participating in clinical trials. Her doctors remain hopeful about new treatments. The reality of her aggressive cancer mutation remains challenging.

Tatiana Schlossberg’s terminal leukemia diagnosis story highlights both personal courage and systemic healthcare concerns. Her public revelation brings attention to acute myeloid leukemia research needs. It also serves as a powerful reminder of medicine’s fragility and strength.

Thought you’d like to know

What type of leukemia does Tatiana Schlossberg have?

She has acute myeloid leukemia with an Inversion 3 mutation. This is a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer. It has a high tendency to return after treatment.

How old is Tatiana Schlossberg?

She is 35 years old. She was 34 when initially diagnosed. Her diagnosis came shortly after she gave birth to her second child.

What treatments has she undergone?

She received chemotherapy, two bone marrow transplants, and CAR-T cell therapy. She also participated in multiple clinical trials. Her treatment involved both standard and experimental approaches.

How is her family supporting her?

Her parents are helping raise her two young children. Her sister donated stem cells for her first transplant. Her brother has been vocal in supporting medical research.

What are her main concerns about healthcare?

She worries about funding cuts to medical research. She expressed concern about anti-vaccine rhetoric affecting policy. Clinical trial cancellations directly impact patients like her.

What is her current prognosis?

Her doctor said he could keep her alive for about a year. This estimate comes after multiple relapses. She continues to explore treatment options.