In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, where every dribble and shot is scrutinized, athletes often appear invincible. Yet, behind the public persona, lies a human being with the same vulnerabilities as anyone else. Achille Polonara, the formidable forward for Virtus Bologna and a cornerstone of the Italian national team, recently offered a poignant glimpse into his personal battle, revealing a journey fraught with fear, propelled by love, and fortified by an extraordinary network of support. Diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, Polonara`s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of profound adversity.
The Unspoken Diagnosis and a Child`s Insight
The moment of diagnosis, as Polonara recounts, plunged him into “absolute darkness” and “the terror of any kind, even of dying.” Medical professionals, usually so precise, found themselves struggling to convey the gravity of his condition. “You hear the word leukemia, and it scares you,” Polonara remarked, “but you truly realize how hard it is only when the treatments begin.”
His return home after the first chemotherapy cycle in Valencia was an intensely emotional affair, marked by the spontaneous embrace of his young children, Achille Jr., three, and Vitoria, nearly five. While parents often attempt to shield their young ones from harsh realities, Vitoria`s astute observation cut straight to the core. Having witnessed her father`s previous health scare in 2023, she instantly recognized the significance of his hair loss. “Mom, you lied to me,” she reportedly told her mother, Erika, with a child`s unfiltered honesty. “If his hair fell out, it means Daddy has something serious, just like last time.” Such moments, though painful, underscore the innate perceptiveness of children and, perhaps, the futility of concealing profound truths.
Strategic Decisions in the Treatment Plan
Polonara`s medical journey has been meticulously planned, incorporating insights from leading specialists. His decision to undergo his initial chemotherapy in Valencia, rather than remaining in Bologna, was a pragmatic choice based on immediate access to specific medication. “There, specific pills were already available that should lower the risk of future relapses,” he explained. “In Bologna, they would only have had them in September, which would have complicated matters.” The doctors at Bologna`s Sant`Orsola hospital, recognizing the urgency, commendably directed him to Spain, prioritizing his long-term health over geographical convenience. The path ahead includes a second chemotherapy cycle in Valencia starting early August, followed by a crucial bone marrow transplant back at Sant`Orsola.
Echoes of Courage: The Mihajlovic Connection
In a deeply moving turn of events, Polonara found an unexpected connection with the family of the late Sinisa Mihajlovic, the football legend who tragically succumbed to leukemia in 2022. Though previously unacquainted, Mihajlovic`s wife, Arianna, and their children reached out, offering solace and understanding born from shared experience. Polonara describes them as “very sensitive and attentive people,” highlighting how, in the face of such a formidable illness, the boundaries of sport dissolve, and human empathy prevails.
A Pillar of Strength: Family and the Basketball Brotherhood
Throughout this ordeal, Polonara`s anchor has been his wife, Erika. Celebrating six years of marriage, he describes her simply as “my life” and a woman with “great personality” who constantly inspires him through difficult times. Her unwavering support is a testament to the resilience of their partnership.
Equally vital has been the overwhelming embrace from the basketball community. “I am submerged by an incredible amount of affection,” he acknowledged, “it helps me tremendously to face these treatments.” His Virtus Bologna teammates, demonstrating profound solidarity, even brought him the Scudetto Cup in the hospital. Instances of genuine connection abound, from the thoughtful sensitivity of fellow player Marco Belinelli to the daily messages from national team coach Gianmarco Pozzecco, whom Polonara affectionately considers “almost an older brother.” His bond with teammate Marco Spissu, whom fans humorously refer to as “Gaspare and Orazio,” further illustrates the deep camaraderie that defines his professional world.
Moments of Vulnerability and the Power of Melody
Despite the outward show of strength and the robust support system, Polonara is candid about his private struggles. “I have dark moments where I see everything black,” he admits, particularly as evening falls. While he attempts to contain them, tears become an uncontrollable release when music plays. Songs that evoke thoughts of his family are particularly potent, with Francesco Renga`s “Il mio giorno più bello nel mondo” (“My most beautiful day in the world”) cited as the one that consistently moves him to tears. These intimate revelations provide a poignant reminder that even the strongest among us require space for vulnerability and emotional processing.
A Journey Defined by Hope
Achille Polonara`s battle against leukemia is far from over, but his public sharing of this intensely personal journey offers not only a glimpse into his remarkable resilience but also an inspiring narrative for countless others facing similar challenges. His story underscores the critical role of family, the profound impact of community support, and the enduring power of hope. As he navigates the complex path of recovery, Polonara stands as a beacon of courage, proving that true strength is found not just in physical prowess, but in the unwavering spirit to fight for life itself.
