In a deeply personal interview, Italian basketball star Achille Polonara opens up about his ongoing struggle with leukemia, the emotional rollercoaster of treatment, and the extraordinary support propelling him forward. This isn`t just a story of illness; it`s a testament to human resilience, the power of family, and the profound solidarity of the sports world.
Homecoming and Heartfelt Reunions
For Achille Polonara, the return home from Valencia after his first cycle of chemotherapy was more than just a change of scenery; it was an emotional reunion that flooded his spirit with renewed strength. The heartwarming sight of his young children, Achille Jr., three, and Vitoria, who will soon turn five, rushing to embrace him, was a potent antidote to the isolating rigors of treatment. “When I saw them rush at me, what an emotion after a month and a half of not seeing them,” he recounted, the joy palpable in his voice. The simple act of waking up with them in the family bed, even if it meant playfully “evicting” his wife Erika, was a cherished return to a semblance of normality.
Yet, young minds often grasp more than adults credit them for. Vitoria, his eldest, displayed a precocious understanding of her father’s plight. Having witnessed his previous battle with testicular neoplasia in 2023, she quickly drew connections. Observing his hair loss during video calls from the hospital, she confronted her mother with a poignant, “Mom, you lied to me. If his hair fell out, it means dad has something serious, like last time.” Such innocence coupled with astute observation serves as a stark reminder of the widespread impact of a family member’s illness.
Facing the Darkness: The Diagnosis
The journey began with an abrupt plunge into what Polonara describes as “absolute darkness” and “any kind of terror, even of dying.” The moment of diagnosis at Sant’Orsola Hospital in Bologna was difficult even for the medical professionals to deliver. “The hematologist enters and tells me: `There’s no good news.` Then he stops, almost awkward,” Polonara recalled. It wasn`t a lack of words, but a doctor`s careful search for the most appropriate ones to convey the life-altering news. Hearing the word “leukemia” is terrifying, he admits, but it`s only when the arduous treatment begins that the true weight of the battle becomes apparent.
A Strategic Choice for Treatment
Polonara’s decision to undergo his initial treatment in Valencia, rather than Bologna, was a calculated move rooted in the pursuit of the best possible outcome. Valencia offered specific pills designed to significantly lower the risk of future relapses, drugs that wouldn`t have been available in Bologna until September. This strategic choice, made in consultation with his Bologna doctors, highlights the proactive and determined approach he`s taking towards his recovery. With the first cycle complete, a second round of chemotherapy is scheduled to begin in Valencia on August 4th, followed by a crucial bone marrow transplant back in Bologna.
A Brotherhood Beyond the Court: Unwavering Support
The outpouring of support for Polonara has been nothing short of immense, a powerful testament to the bonds forged in the demanding world of professional sports. “I am overwhelmed by incredible affection. It helps me so much to face these treatments,” he stated, clearly moved by the solidarity. The Virtus Bologna teammates, his club, brought the championship trophy directly to his hospital room—a gesture that speaks volumes of their camaraderie.
Individual acts of kindness have also left their mark. Marco Belinelli, a seasoned veteran and former NBA player, impressed Polonara with his sensitivity. Gianmarco Pozzecco, the national team coach, has proven to be a daily pillar of strength, texting Polonara constantly, earning the affectionate title of “almost an elder brother.” Stefano Spissu, his long-time friend and teammate, is “my best friend,” a duo affectionately known to fans as “Gaspare and Orazio.”
The Legacy of Sinisa Mihajlovic
Perhaps one of the most poignant connections has been with the family of Sinisa Mihajlovic, the football legend who tragically succumbed to leukemia in 2022. Though they had never met, Mihajlovic’s widow, Arianna, and their children immediately reached out to Polonara. “They explained that Sinisa’s leukemia was very particular,” he shared, describing their recent collective video call as a deeply moving experience with “very sensitive and attentive people.” This unexpected bond, forged in shared struggle, offers a unique form of empathy and understanding.
The Indispensable Anchor: Erika, His Wife
Behind every strong individual facing adversity often stands an equally strong partner. For Achille, that pillar is his wife, Erika. “A month ago, we celebrated six years of marriage, I am lucky,” he remarked. Erika’s personality and unwavering support, especially during his darkest moments, are invaluable. “She`s a woman with great personality. Erika is my life,” he affirmed, highlighting her role not just as a spouse, but as a vital lifeline in his recovery.
Coping Mechanisms and Moments of Vulnerability
Despite the immense support and his inner resolve, Polonara candidly admits to experiencing “dark moments” where he sees “everything black,” especially in the evenings. These are the quiet times when the weight of his battle presses most heavily. While he tries to stem the flow of tears, they often surface uncontrollably when he listens to music, particularly songs that evoke thoughts of his family. Francesco Renga’s “Il mio giorno più bello nel mondo” (My Most Beautiful Day in the World) is one such song, a powerful trigger for emotional release.
Beyond the Diagnosis: A Story of Undefeated Spirit
Achille Polonara’s journey is far from over, but his courage, transparency, and the profound support system surrounding him paint a vivid picture of an undefeated spirit. From the court to the hospital, he continues to demonstrate the resilience of an athlete, now applying that same relentless determination to the most important game of his life. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, the human spirit, bolstered by love and community, can find strength, hope, and the path forward.