By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Italian basketball player Achille Polonara has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is currently undergoing treatment in Valencia.
After completing an initial round of chemotherapy, the 32-year-old forward has returned home to rest and continue his recovery surrounded by loved ones.
In an emotional interview with Corriere della Sera, Polonara shared how his world changed the moment he received the diagnosis.
“From complete darkness to every kind of terror — even the fear of dying. At Sant’Orsola Hospital in Bologna, they even struggled to tell me. The hematologist came in and said: ‘There’s no good news.’ Then he paused, almost awkwardly. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what to say — he just wanted to be careful and choose the right words. I’ll be honest, hearing the word ‘leukemia’ is scary, but you realize how tough it really is when the treatment begins,” Polonara said.
He also opened up about the emotional difficulty of explaining the situation to his children — especially his daughter.
“They didn’t know I was in the hospital. My daughter is almost five. One day during a video call, she noticed I had lost my hair. Later, she told my wife, ‘You lied to me. If daddy has no hair, then something serious is going on.’ Girls really do understand more.”
Polonara is now focused on continuing treatment, regaining strength, and spending time with his family as he faces the most difficult chapter of his life.
“I’m overwhelmed with unbelievable affection. It really helps me face the treatment. The Virtus Bologna guys were amazing when they brought the championship trophy to the hospital. I was really moved by Belinelli’s kindness. Then there’s the national team — head coach Pozzecco messages me every day; I see him almost like a big brother. Spissu is my best buddy. For all the fans, we’re like Gaspare and Orazio. I told them: you’ve got a European Championship coming up, give me a gift — because I’ll be your biggest fan,” Polonara concluded.