In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, victories are meticulously tallied, trophies are hoisted, and careers are defined by statistical prowess and championship rings. Achille Polonara, the formidable Italian forward, is no stranger to such triumphs, having secured national titles across four different countries—Spain, Turkey, Lithuania, and most recently, Italy with Virtus Bologna. Yet, his latest, and arguably most significant, battle is unfolding far from the gleaming hardwood courts, within the sterile confines of a hospital in Valencia. At 33, Polonara is confronting a diagnosis of myeloid leukemia, a challenge that dwarfs any opponent he has ever faced.
A Shocking Diagnosis: When the World Shifts
The news of a life-threatening illness can shatter even the most robust spirit, and for Polonara, it was a particularly cruel twist of fate. Having already overcome testicular cancer just two years prior, the word “leukemia” struck him with a profound sense of despair. “Sconforto,” he called it—discomfort, devastation. He questioned, as many would, “Why me? What did I do wrong?” The gravity of this new foe quickly eclipsed his past health struggles. For a man whose life revolved around physical peak performance, the sudden onset of fever, weakness, and fatigue during the intensity of the playoff season was initially dismissed as merely the wear and tear of a grueling schedule.
It was during the final stretch of the championship playoffs, specifically before Game 3 against Olimpia Milano, that the red flags truly began to wave. Routine post-cancer checks showed nothing amiss, yet a persistent fever of 38.1°C refused to budge. A call to the team doctor revealed a subtle, alarming anomaly in his blood tests. What seemed like a possible bout of mononucleosis soon escalated into the stark reality of myeloid leukemia, transforming his world from competitive basketball to a desperate fight for survival.
The Valencia Initiative: A Strategic Medical Move
The path to recovery is rarely straightforward, and for Polonara, it led him away from Italy. His decision to seek treatment in Valencia, Spain, wasn`t arbitrary but a calculated move based on the unique care protocols offered there. Italian hospitals, he explained, do not currently propose the post-chemotherapy regimen involving specific pills designed to reduce the risk of relapse—a crucial step in preventing the disease`s return. This subtle difference became the determining factor in his transatlantic journey for healing. His initial days of chemotherapy in Valencia were, predictably, harsh, marked by severe nausea and abdominal pain, necessitating intravenous feeding.
The timeline for his stay in Spain remains uncertain. “You don`t know,” he admitted, living day-to-day, gauging his body`s reaction to each cycle of treatment and the impending bone marrow transplant. The concept of a “normal life” now takes precedence over his celebrated career, a testament to the profound shift in his priorities. The court, the ball, the training—they are distant echoes compared to the immediate, visceral battle within.
Family as the Unshakable Foundation
In this arduous journey, Polonara is not alone. His wife, Erika, and their two young children, Vitoria (4) and Achille Jr. (2), have relocated to Valencia, residing in a rented house to be near him. The logistical support is immense, with his mother-in-law having left her own job to help care for the children, ensuring Erika can spend as much time as possible by his side in the hospital. The presence of his family, despite the inherent difficulties of explaining his absence to his young children (they`ve been told he has a “virus”), is an immeasurable source of strength. “Having everyone close by is a beautiful feeling, a push to fight,” he affirmed.
Achille Polonara with his children, a picture he shared on Instagram.
The Brotherhood of the Hardwood
Despite his physical absence from the court, the bond with his basketball family remains remarkably strong. Polonara feels the profound solidarity of the Italian national team. He`s in daily contact with several teammates—Gabriele Gallinari, Stefano Tonut, and particularly Marco Spissu, whom he considers a brother. Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco also sends daily messages of unwavering support. This overwhelming embrace from the “Azzurra family” provides a vital psychological lift, a reminder that he is part of something larger than himself.
His teammates at Virtus Bologna offered an exceptionally poignant show of support. Before Game 3 of the finals, they visited him in the hospital. During warm-ups, they all wore jerseys bearing his name and number. Following their Scudetto victory, they video-called him from the locker room, sharing their triumph. The next day, captain Marco Belinelli, Alessandro Pajola, and Tornike Shengelia brought the championship trophy directly to his hospital room in Bologna, with Shengelia even presenting him with the MVP trophy, declaring, “It`s yours, you`re the MVP.” These gestures, steeped in genuine affection and respect, were deeply moving for Polonara, momentarily transcending the grim reality of his illness.
Belinelli, Pajola, and Shengelia visit Polonara in the hospital with the championship trophy.
Redefining Ambition: A Glimmer of the Future
For a professional athlete, stepping away from the sport they love is often a gut-wrenching decision. For Polonara, however, the focus has shifted entirely. “At this moment, I don`t think about it,” he stated, referring to basketball. His singular aim is to “return to a normal life.” If basketball eventually re-enters the picture, “so much the better,” but it is no longer a priority. His contract with Virtus Bologna concluded on June 30th, leaving him free to concentrate solely on his recovery.
Despite his personal battle, the ingrained curiosity of a sports professional persists. He admits to still following the basketball market, reading articles, and keeping abreast of team developments, especially for Italian powerhouses like Virtus and Olimpia Milano. He sees a highly competitive Virtus taking shape, with an intriguing mix of young talent and experienced players under Coach Dusko Ivanovic. He also notes Olimpia Milano`s significant budget, allowing them to consistently strengthen with top-tier players like Shabazz Napier, Nikola Mirotic, and Alex Poythress, predicting a “great Milan” for the upcoming season. It`s a small, familiar comfort amidst the colossal uncertainty of his health.
Achille Polonara`s fight against myeloid leukemia is not merely a personal health battle; it is a profound testament to the human spirit`s resilience. From the roar of the crowd to the quiet intensity of a hospital room, his journey underscores a universal truth: true strength is often found not in victory on a court, but in the unwavering determination to reclaim one`s life. As he faces this monumental challenge with the support of his loving family and the broad embrace of the basketball community, Polonara embodies the spirit of a true champion—one who knows that some battles are fought for something far greater than any trophy.
Gilbert Pendleton