Tatiana Schlossberg's Courageous Revelation: Facing a Terminal Diagnosis :

In a poignant and deeply personal essay published in The New Yorker on November 22, 2025, Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, disclosed her diagnosis of terminal acute myeloid leukemia. This profound revelation has brought a wave of sorrow and reflection across many, as the 35-year-old environmental journalist shared her battle with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. The diagnosis emerged in May 2024, mere moments after she welcomed her second child, a daughter, into the world, transforming a moment of joy into an unforeseen struggle.

Schlossberg's essay, titled 'A Battle With My Blood,' delves into the disbelief and the arduous journey she has endured since that fateful day. Doctors noted an alarmingly high white blood cell count shortly after her delivery, a stark contrast to her feeling of robust health just hours before. She recounts undergoing rounds of chemotherapy, multiple blood and stem cell transplants—including one from her older sister, Rose—and participating in clinical trials in a desperate fight for survival.

Despite her valiant efforts, Schlossberg shared the heartbreaking news that her doctors have estimated she may have less than a year left to live. Her courage in sharing such an intimate and devastating struggle underscores a profound resilience, even as she grapples with the immense pain and the uncertain future for herself and her young family. This disclosure has placed her, once again, in the public eye, not for her esteemed lineage or environmental advocacy, but for a deeply human fight against an incurable illness.

A Legacy Steeped in Public Service and Prominence :

Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg was born on May 5, 1990, into one of America's most recognizable families, as the daughter of diplomat Caroline Kennedy and artist Edwin Schlossberg. Her maternal grandparents were the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a lineage that has inherently placed her in the public sphere.

Raised primarily in Manhattan's Upper East Side, Tatiana and her siblings, Rose and Jack, also spent considerable time at their maternal grandmother's estate on Martha's Vineyard. This upbringing provided a unique blend of privacy and public awareness, shaping her perspective from an early age. She has continued to honor her family's legacy, notably participating in the annual Profile in Courage Award ceremonies and accompanying her mother on diplomatic engagements abroad.

From Academic Rigor to Environmental Advocacy in Journalism :

Schlossberg's academic journey laid a strong foundation for her career in journalism and environmental advocacy. She attended the all-girls Brearley School and the Trinity School before graduating from Yale University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

During her time at Yale, she honed her journalistic skills, eventually serving as the editor-in-chief of the Yale Herald. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to further studies at the University of Oxford, where she earned a master's degree in United States history.

After her studies, Schlossberg gained experience at publications such as the Vineyard Gazette and The Record in New Jersey, where she was even recognized as 'Rookie of the Year.' Her professional path then led her to The New York Times, where she became a science and climate reporter, deeply immersing herself in issues surrounding the environment.

Illuminating Environmental Impact: 'Inconspicuous Consumption' :

In 2019, Tatiana Schlossberg cemented her position as a leading voice in environmental journalism with the publication of her debut book, 'Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don't Know You Have.' The book meticulously explores the hidden environmental costs embedded in our everyday choices, from the food we eat to the digital technologies we use.

Her work delves into how seemingly innocuous activities contribute to climate change and environmental degradation, urging readers to consider their broader impact. The book garnered significant critical acclaim, winning first place in the prestigious Society of Environmental Journalists' Rachel Carson Environment Book Award in 2020.

Beyond her book, Schlossberg continues to contribute to the discourse on climate change through her freelance work for various publications, including The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, and Bloomberg. She also authors her own newsletter, 'News from a Changing Planet,' further amplifying her voice and insights on critical environmental issues.

Journalistic Integrity and Family Dynamics in the Public Eye :

Throughout her career, Tatiana Schlossberg has maintained a commitment to journalistic integrity, even when intersecting with her prominent family. A notable instance occurred in 2014 when she reported on a dead bear cub found in Central Park.

Years later, in 2024, it was revealed that her relative, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had been responsible for placing the cub. Schlossberg promptly responded, asserting that she had no knowledge of the perpetrator when she originally wrote the story.

More recently, in her New Yorker essay, Schlossberg openly criticized her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regarding his policies as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She highlighted the detrimental impact of his decisions, particularly the cuts to funding for mRNA vaccine research and the National Institutes of Health, expressing concerns about the implications for patients like herself.

A Personal Life Faced with Immense Challenges :

Tatiana Schlossberg's personal life has also seen significant milestones and, most recently, immense challenges. In September 2017, she married physician George Moran, whom she met during their undergraduate years at Yale.

The couple has two young children: a son born in 2022, and a daughter born in May 2024, just before her life-altering diagnosis. Her essay poignantly expresses her love for her husband, whom she describes as 'kind, funny, handsome genius,' and her profound sadness at the prospect of leaving him and their children.

The news of her terminal illness adds another heartbreaking chapter to the long history of tragedies that have touched the Kennedy family. Schlossberg herself expressed a deep sense of guilt, feeling as though she has added another burden to her family's life, despite their unwavering support.

Unwavering Family Support and a Focus on Lasting Memories :

In her powerful essay, Tatiana Schlossberg detailed the extraordinary support she has received from her immediate family. Her parents, Caroline and Edwin Schlossberg, along with her siblings Rose and Jack, have been constants by her side, helping to raise her children and sitting with her through countless hospital visits.

She describes their efforts to conceal their own pain and sadness to protect her, a 'great gift' for which she is deeply grateful, even as she feels their unspoken sorrow daily. Her husband, George Moran, has also been a pillar of strength, navigating this unimaginable journey with her.

Facing the limited time ahead, Schlossberg articulated her fervent desire to fill her mind with memories of her children, striving to live in the present moment, however difficult that may be. Her poignant reflections on cherishing every moment and the hope that these memories will endure speak to a profound human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds.