Achille Polonara, a name synonymous with resilience on the basketball court, now faces the most formidable opponent of his life: myeloid leukemia. At 33 years old, the decorated Italian forward, who has celebrated national titles in four different countries and previously overcame testicular cancer, finds himself in a different arena, one where the stakes are unequivocally higher than any championship game.
A Diagnosis That Stopped the World
The news arrived swiftly, and with a crushing impact. Polonara`s initial reaction to the leukemia diagnosis was, as he describes it, one of profound despair. “Discomfort,” he recalled, was the overwhelming sentiment. Having battled and defeated testicular cancer just two years prior, the discovery of an even more severe pathology felt like the world had crumbled around him. “Why me? What did I do wrong?” were the questions that haunted him. He candidly admits, “When I heard the word leukemia, I associated it with death. It’s scary.” This personal revelation underscores the sheer psychological weight of such a diagnosis, particularly after a previous medical struggle.
The Spanish Gambit: A Quest for Unique Treatment
Polonara`s journey has led him to Valencia, Spain, where he is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy and preparing for a bone marrow transplant. The choice of location was not arbitrary. As he explains, “In Italy, nobody offers this type of cure.” His treatment regimen includes specific post-chemotherapy medication aimed at reducing the risk of recurrence, a practice not available in his home country. The initial days of treatment have been challenging, marked by nausea, stomach pain, and intravenous feeding. Yet, despite the physical toll, his determination remains unbroken. The duration of his stay in Spain remains uncertain, a day-by-day battle against a relentless adversary. He hopes for short breaks from the hospital, but a return to Italy is a distant prospect for now.
The Unwavering Fortress of Family Support
In this arduous fight, Polonara is not alone. His wife, Erika, their four-year-old daughter Vitoria, and two-year-old son Achille Jr., have all relocated to Valencia to be by his side. An extraordinary support system, his mother-in-law even left her job to assist the family. “Having everyone here close is a great feeling, a push to fight,” he acknowledges. The emotional gravity of explaining his absence to his young children, telling them he has “a virus,” highlights the profound personal sacrifices being made. For a professional athlete accustomed to travel and public life, being separated from his children in such a critical time is undoubtedly one of the toughest aspects of his ordeal.
The Roar of the “Azzurra Family”
The support extends beyond his immediate family. The Italian basketball community, affectionately dubbed the “Azzurra family,” has rallied around him with remarkable solidarity. Daily calls and messages from teammates like Gallinari, Tonut, and his “brother” Spissu, along with unwavering encouragement from coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, provide a constant source of strength. This outpouring of camaraderie reached its peak when Virtus Bologna secured the Italian championship. Though Polonara was hospitalized, his team`s victory was dedicated to him. He watched via video call as his teammates celebrated, and later, star players Belinelli, Pajola, and Shengelia brought the coveted trophy directly to his hospital room in Bologna. Shengelia even presented him with the MVP trophy, declaring, “It`s yours, you`re the MVP.” Such gestures transcend the sport, embodying a deep sense of brotherhood and collective spirit.
Polonara reflects on the surreal moment: “The team visited me before Game 3 of the final, then during warm-ups, they all wore jerseys with my name and number. After the game, the video call from the locker room. And then the next day, Belinelli, Pajola, and Shengelia came to bring me the Cup in the hospital, in Bologna. And Toko handed me the best player trophy: `It`s yours, you`re the MVP.` Those were very touching days.”
A Shift in Priorities: Life Beyond the Court
For now, the basketball court, the ball, and training sessions are far from his mind. Polonara`s immediate and singular focus is on recovery. “My goal is to return to a normal life, then if there`s basketball, all the better. At the moment, it`s not a priority,” he states with pragmatic clarity. His contract with Virtus Bologna concluded in June, further emphasizing the personal nature of his current battle. Yet, even from his hospital bed, the competitive spirit and love for the game subtly persist; he admits to still following the basketball market, reading news and keeping informed about team rosters.
Looking Ahead: Hopes and Uncertainties
While his personal future in basketball is on hold, Polonara remains a fervent supporter of the Italian national team. He hopes they can overcome the “quarter-final hurdle” at the European championships, drawing inspiration from the success of the women`s team. A medal for Italy, he believes, would provide an even greater boost to his personal fight. His journey is a powerful reminder that sports, at their core, are about more than just physical prowess; they are about mental fortitude, camaraderie, and the unyielding will to overcome. Achille Polonara is not just battling a disease; he is embodying the spirit of a true champion, fighting the most important game of his life, determined to emerge victorious.
Murray Blackwood