In the demanding world of professional sports, athletes often speak of “battles” and “challenges.” For Achille Polonara, the 33-year-old Italian basketball standout, these terms have taken on a far more literal, and profoundly personal, meaning. Having previously triumphed over testicular cancer, Polonara now faces what he describes as his most formidable opponent yet: myeloid leukemia. His current fight transcends the hardwood, becoming a testament to human resilience, the unwavering strength of family, and a poignant re-evaluation of life`s true victories.
A Diagnosis That Stopped the World
The news of his diagnosis landed like a thunderclap. For Polonara, who had already endured and overcome a previous cancer, the word “leukemia” instantly conjured the deepest fears. “Despair,” he recalled, was his immediate reaction. “After two years fighting to beat one cancer, the world fell on me when I discovered I had an even more serious pathology. I started thinking, `Why me? What did I do wrong?` Compared to this disease, what I had before is incomparable. When I heard the word leukemia, I associated it with death. It`s scary.”
His symptoms, initially dismissed as seasonal stress during the Virtus Bologna playoff run in May, included persistent fever, weakness, and fatigue. It was only after a routine six-month post-cancer check-up revealed abnormal blood values that the true nature of his condition began to emerge, culminating in the stark diagnosis of myeloid leukemia.
The Unconventional Path to Recovery in Valencia
Facing a battle requiring specialized intervention, Polonara made the significant decision to relocate to Valencia, Spain. This move was not arbitrary; it was a pragmatic choice driven by the availability of a specific treatment protocol unavailable in Italy. His regimen includes cycles of chemotherapy, followed by crucial oral medication designed to mitigate the risk of recurrence – a practice not standard in his home country. The ultimate goal, and the most significant hurdle, remains a bone marrow transplant.
The initial days of treatment have been arduous, marked by nausea and stomach pains requiring intravenous feeding. The duration of his stay in Spain remains uncertain, living, as he puts it, “day by day.” This medical itinerary, which reads more like a strategic play against a cunning opponent, has seen his entire family – wife Erika, 4-year-old Vitoria, and 2-year-old Achille Jr., along with his remarkably supportive mother-in-law – rally by his side in Valencia, a crucial emotional anchor in these trying times.
Beyond the Arc: Basketball Takes a Back Seat
For an athlete whose life has revolved around the court, the shift in priorities is profound. Polonara`s contract with Virtus Bologna concluded on June 30th, and his focus has irrevocably pivoted from professional aspirations to the singular goal of regaining his health. “At this moment, I don`t think about it because I`m focused on what I`m doing here in Spain. I don`t think about the court, the ball, training,” he affirmed. “My goal is to return to a normal life, then if basketball happens, all the better. At the moment, it`s not a priority.”
Despite his personal ordeal, the spirit of camaraderie from the basketball world remains strong. His Virtus Bologna teammates visited him in the hospital, wore his jersey during warm-ups, and celebrated their championship win with a poignant video call from the locker room. Fellow stars like Marco Belinelli, Alessandro Pajola, and Tornike Shengelia even brought the championship trophy to his hospital room, with Shengelia declaring him the “MVP.” Polonara also maintains daily contact with members of the Italian National Team, who, he says, “never let me feel a lack of their closeness.” While he misses joining the “Azzurri” for their EuroBasket preparations, he remains their fervent supporter, hoping their success can fuel his own fight.
The Private Burden: Shielding the Children
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of his struggle is the need to shield his young children from the harsh reality of his illness. He and his wife have told Vitoria and Achille Jr. that he has “a virus.” While the younger child accepts this explanation, Vitoria, at four years old, is beginning to ask questions, sensing the gravity of the situation. The separation from his children, whom he sees only occasionally due to his hospitalization, is a profound emotional toll. Yet, their innocence and presence serve as a powerful motivator, a constant reminder of the “normal life” he so desperately strives to reclaim.
Achille Polonara`s story is far more than a sports headline; it is a profound human drama unfolding in real-time. It underscores the fragility of life, the indomitable power of the human spirit to confront successive adversities, and the transformative effect of such trials on one`s perspective. His journey is a powerful reminder that while professional accolades are fleeting, the true measure of a champion lies in the courage displayed when the most challenging game is played not for a trophy, but for life itself.
