The familiar scent of home, the echoing laughter of his children – for Achille Polonara, these weren`t just comforts; they were tangible victories. The Italian basketball star, a formidable presence on the court for Virtus Bologna and the national team, recently returned home after completing the first rigorous cycle of chemotherapy in Valencia, marking a crucial step in his battle against myeloid leukemia.
The Unveiling of the Unthinkable
From the peak of athletic performance to the chilling reality of a leukemia diagnosis, Polonara recounts a moment shrouded in “absolute darkness” and “terror.” He shared with Corriere della Sera the difficult experience of receiving the news: even the hematologist struggled to deliver it, choosing words with painstaking care. It`s a stark reminder that while the word “leukemia” itself evokes fear, its true weight is only felt when the arduous journey of treatment begins.
Polonara`s decision to seek initial treatment in Valencia, Spain, rather than Bologna, was a strategic one, driven by the immediate availability of specific pills designed to reduce the risk of future relapses. Bologna would have had them, but not until September. Following this initial phase, Polonara is set to commence his second chemotherapy cycle in Valencia on August 4th, with a bone marrow transplant at Sant`Orsola in Bologna planned for after its completion.
The Unbreakable Bonds: Family as Foundation
It`s often said that true strength is revealed not on the court, but in life`s crucible. For Polonara, that strength comes unequivocally from his family. Waking up in the “big bed” with his three-year-old son, Achille Jr., and five-year-old daughter, Vitoria, was a moment of pure joy, so much so that his wife, Erika, found herself “evicted” by the children`s desire to sleep beside their father. The younger Achille might not fully grasp the situation, but Vitoria, with the acute perception of childhood, has already understood. Her observation that “his hair has fallen out” quickly led her to conclude, with a touch of exasperation towards her mother, that “Daddy has something serious, like last time” – a poignant reference to his testicular neoplasia diagnosis in 2023.
Polonara speaks of Erika, his wife of six years, with profound admiration: “I`m lucky. She pushes me, especially in difficult moments. She is a woman with great personality. Erika is my life.” Indeed, the steadfast support of a partner is often the silent, yet most powerful, medicine.
A Brotherhood Beyond Borders: The Sports World Rallies
The outpouring of support from the broader sports community has been nothing short of phenomenal. Polonara received immediate contact from Arianna Mihajlovic, the widow of late football legend Sinisa Mihajlovic, who also battled leukemia. Though previously strangers, a poignant connection formed, underscoring the tragic fraternity of those touched by severe illness. Their collective video call, including Sinisa`s children, highlighted their shared empathy and sensitivity.
Within his own basketball family, the solidarity has been equally impactful. Virtus Bologna teammates brought the Scudetto cup to his hospital, a gesture that surely resonated more deeply than any trophy on its own. Marco Belinelli`s sensitivity stood out, while national coach Gianmarco Pozzecco writes daily, acting almost as an “older brother.” One might argue that daily texts from a national coach are a better prescription than any medical textbook could offer for a fighting spirit. Teammate Giampaolo Ricci, affectionately known as “Gaspare to Polonara`s Orazio” by fans, provides constant friendship. This overwhelming wave of affection, Polonara confesses, “helps me tremendously to face these treatments.”
The Quiet Battles and Unseen Tears
Even champions have their moments of quiet desperation. Polonara admits to experiencing “dark moments” where “everything turns black,” especially in the evenings. While he tries to stem the flow, tears often come unbidden when he listens to music, particularly songs that evoke thoughts of his family. The one that consistently brings him to tears is Francesco Renga`s “Il mio giorno più bello nel mondo” (“My most beautiful day in the world”). It`s a stark reminder that even the most formidable athletes are, at their core, beautifully human, grappling with emotions as profound as any physical challenge.
A Glimmer of Hope and a Promise of Return
Achille Polonara`s journey is far from over, but his resilience shines through every word. His candid account offers a valuable glimpse into the personal cost of battling a life-threatening illness, while simultaneously celebrating the boundless power of love, family, and community. Though his focus remains on recovery, the world of basketball waits, hopeful that this champion will soon return to the court, not just as a player, but as a living testament to an indomitable spirit.