Achille Polonara, a name synonymous with resilience and victory across European basketball courts, now faces the most formidable adversary of his illustrious career. The 33-year-old Italian national team forward, who has celebrated national titles in Spain, Turkey, Lithuania, and most recently, Italy with Virtus Bologna, is currently engaged in a profound battle against myeloid leukemia. This challenge comes hot on the heels of a previous victory over testicular cancer, underscoring a life marked by extraordinary trials and an unwavering spirit.
The Unsettling Diagnosis and a New Horizon in Valencia
The news of the diagnosis, delivered just as the basketball season was reaching its crescendo, was, as Polonara admits, a profound blow. Having previously conquered cancer, the word “leukemia” resonated with an immediate, primal fear: death. “Why me? What have I done wrong?” were the questions that haunted him, a stark contrast to the previous challenge which, in comparison, now seemed less daunting.
In a decision driven by necessity and the pursuit of optimal care, Polonara relocated to Valencia, Spain, in early July. This move was not arbitrary; it was a crucial step dictated by the specialized treatment protocol offered there, which, critically, is not available in Italy. This regimen includes not only intensive chemotherapy cycles but also preventive measures, such as specific oral medications aimed at reducing the risk of relapse – a practice currently absent from Italian treatment guidelines. The initial days were, predictably, harsh, marked by severe nausea and abdominal pain, necessitating intravenous feeding, a stark reminder of the gravity of his situation.
An Undetermined Timeline, Sustained by Family Strength
The path ahead remains shrouded in uncertainty. Polonara`s duration in Spain is indefinite, contingent upon his response to chemotherapy and the subsequent bone marrow transplant. Each day is a step into the unknown, a cautious hope for a brief respite from the hospital confines by late July. Yet, amidst this daunting uncertainty, there lies a profound source of strength: his family. His wife, Erika, and their two young children, Vitoria (4) and Achille Jr. (2), have joined him in Valencia, renting a house nearby. His mother-in-law, a pillar of support, even left her job to assist with childcare, allowing Erika to be by his side in the hospital. This collective presence, he acknowledges, is a powerful “push to fight.” The separation from his children, whom he has seen only once since his hospitalization, is particularly challenging, especially for his eldest daughter who, despite being told he has a “virus,” is beginning to ask questions that betray a deeper understanding.
The Unbreakable “Blue Family” Bond and Scudetto Joy
Though absent from the Italian national team`s training camp for the European Championship, Polonara`s spirit remains firmly with his “Azzurri” teammates. He pledges to be their foremost fan, certain that any success they achieve would fuel his own battle. The support from the national team has been palpable: daily calls from two or three teammates, including heartfelt conversations with Gallinari and Tonut, and a brotherly bond with Spissu. Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco`s consistent messages have also been a steady source of encouragement, reinforcing the profound sense of family within the Italian basketball community.
His absence from the court during the playoffs was keenly felt, though his initial symptoms of fever and fatigue were attributed to the season`s intense stress. The diagnosis came swiftly after a routine post-cancer check-up revealed an anomaly. Despite the personal ordeal, Polonara was able to experience the joy of Virtus Bologna`s Scudetto victory. His teammates, in a remarkable display of solidarity, visited him before Game 3 of the finals, wore his jersey during warm-ups, and celebrated via video call from the locker room. The culmination was a visit to his hospital room in Bologna by teammates Belinelli, Pajola, and Shengelia, who not only brought the championship trophy but also bestowed upon him the MVP trophy, a powerful symbol of their collective recognition and enduring bond. These gestures were, in his words, “very touching days.”
Beyond the Court: A New Definition of “Normal Life”
For now, the roar of the crowd and the feel of the basketball are distant echoes. Polonara`s immediate focus is entirely on his recovery in Valencia, on the arduous process of returning to a semblance of normal life. Basketball, for the time being, is not a priority. His contract with Virtus concluded on June 30th, marking a pivotal transition from professional obligations to a singular pursuit of health. While he admits a continued, almost ironic, fascination with the sport`s off-season machinations – reading, watching, and staying informed about team movements – this remains a distraction, a brief intellectual diversion from the physical realities of his treatment.
He keenly observes the unfolding dynamics of the Italian league, noting Virtus Bologna`s competitive new roster, infused with both seasoned experience and promising young talents like Vildoza and the intriguing NBA prospect Niang. Similarly, he acknowledges Olimpia Milano`s perennial strength, fueled by a substantial budget that consistently attracts top-tier talent like Brown, EuroLeague winner Guduric, and former Fenerbahce teammate Booker. His insights reveal that while his body fights for recovery, his mind, in its unique capacity for distraction and connection, still holds a deep affection for the strategic intricacies of the game he so loves.
Achille Polonara`s journey serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit`s capacity for resilience. From battling cancer to confronting myeloid leukemia, his story transcends the realm of sports, offering an inspiring narrative of courage, familial devotion, and an unyielding will to overcome. The basketball world, and indeed beyond, watches with bated breath, confident that this champion, who has triumphed over so many adversaries on the court, will ultimately prevail in the most important game of his life.
