In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, victories are often measured in points, championships, and accolades. But for Achille Polonara, a seasoned Italian forward known for his tenacious play and versatile skill set, the most crucial battle he now faces isn`t on the court but within his own body. At 33, after a distinguished career marked by national titles across Europe and a previous triumph over testicular cancer, Polonara is confronting his gravest opponent yet: myeloid leukemia.
The Echo of a Diagnosis: “Fear of Death”
For a man accustomed to the rigorous demands of elite sports, where pain is often a temporary hurdle, the word “leukemia” landed with the force of a full-court press. Disbelief, devastation, a profound sense of `why me?` – these were the initial tremors that shook Polonara upon hearing the diagnosis. Having previously conquered testicular cancer just two years prior, the news of an even more severe illness felt like a cruel twist of fate.
“Compared to this,” he reflects candidly, “what I had before is simply incomparable. When I heard the word leukemia, I immediately associated it with death. It’s terrifying.”
The initial symptoms were insidious. During the May playoff series against Venezia, Polonara experienced persistent fever, weakness, and fatigue, which he, understandably, attributed to the immense stress of the season. It wasn`t until a routine post-cancer check-up before Game 3 of the finals against Milan that an anomaly surfaced: a slightly low blood value. Despite initial thoughts of mononucleosis, further investigations led to the definitive and life-altering diagnosis of myeloid leukemia.
A Strategic Move: Valencia`s Role in the Battle Plan
Polonara`s fight is not one he can wage alone, nor is it confined to his homeland. His current base of operations is Valencia, Spain, a deliberate choice dictated by the pursuit of the most effective treatment. “No one in Italy offers this type of cure,” he explains, highlighting a specific regimen involving tablets designed to reduce the risk of relapse – a practice currently unavailable in Italian healthcare.
He has already completed one cycle of chemotherapy and is preparing for a second, less aggressive round, before the critical bone marrow transplant. The duration of his stay remains uncertain; he lives “day by day,” hoping for brief hospital leaves but without a clear timeline for his return to Italy.
The Unwavering Support System: Family and the “Azzurri” Brotherhood
While the physical toll of chemotherapy has been significant, marked by nausea and pain, Polonara draws immense strength from his family. His wife, Erika, and their two young children, Vitoria (4) and Achille Jr. (2), have relocated to Valencia, with his mother-in-law even leaving her job to provide invaluable support. For the children, the complex reality of their father’s illness has been simplified to a “virus,” though Vitoria, the elder, is beginning to ask more probing questions.
The basketball world, too, has rallied around him. Polonara`s teammates, both past and present, have shown overwhelming solidarity. The Virtus Bologna squad, during their recent championship run, wore his name and number on their jerseys, video-called him from the locker room after winning the Scudetto, and even brought the coveted trophy, along with his “MVP” award, directly to his hospital room in Bologna.
The Italian National Team, the “Azzurri,” has maintained daily contact, with players like Gallinari, Tonut, and his “brother” Spissu checking in constantly. Coach Pozzecco, too, offers unwavering support. “I have felt the closeness of the great Azzurri family,” he affirms, a testament to the bonds forged beyond the court. While he will miss the upcoming European Championship training camp, he vows to be the national team`s most fervent supporter, hoping their success will fuel his own fight.
A Shift in Priorities: Life Beyond the Court
For a professional athlete whose life revolves around courts and competition, this shift in perspective is as radical as a surprise full-court press. Polonara openly admits that basketball is no longer his primary focus. “Right now, I`m not thinking about it,” he states matter-of-factly. “I`m concentrated on what I`m doing here in Spain. My goal is to return to a normal life; if basketball follows, then all the better. At the moment, it`s not a priority.” His contract with Virtus Bologna concluded on June 30, underscoring this temporary but profound detachment from his professional identity.
Yet, the ingrained curiosity of a sports professional lingers. He still follows the basketball market, reading news and informing himself on team compositions for the upcoming season, particularly regarding Virtus Bologna and Olimpia Milano. He observes with a discerning eye the strategic player acquisitions, noting Virtus’s competitive new roster under Coach Ivanovic and Olimpia`s financial muscle in attracting top talent. It`s a subtle nod to his enduring passion, even as his personal battle eclipses all else.
The Ultimate Victory
Achille Polonara`s current journey is a stark reminder that even the most formidable athletes are profoundly human, vulnerable to life`s most challenging curveballs. His narrative is one of immense courage, resilience forged in previous battles, and the profound power of familial and community support. As he navigates the unpredictable landscape of treatment, his singular focus remains on reclaiming normalcy, a victory far more profound than any championship title. The world watches, not for dunks or three-pointers, but for the triumphant return of a champion in the game of life.