By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After recent treatment in Valencia, Achille Polonara returned to Bologna and talked about his current health status.
After overcoming testicular cancer and returning to action midway through the 2023-24 season, he was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia in June.
“There was a moment when I thought about ending it all, then I thought about my children and my wife,” the 33-year-old power forward confessed in an interview with Le lene, relays Corriere di Bologna on Monday.
“There have been tough times, but the affection shown by so many people has helped me to stay positive and look ahead with optimism,” he said, “I’ve received lots of messages and phone calls, from the world of basketball and beyond, and my wife and children have given me the strength to look ahead with positivity.”
“I’m fine,” continued Polonara, “I spent the weekend with my children because I won’t be able to see them for a while, and they’ll be staying with their grandparents.”
The Ancona native also shared the timeline for the next steps of his treatment.
“On Monday, September 15, I’ll have some tests for the bone marrow transplant, then on Tuesday I’ll be admitted to the hospital,” he said.
“I’ll have to undergo a cycle of chemotherapy that will last 5-6 days. The transplant should take place around September 23-24,” added Polonara.
“I was lucky,” he referred to finding a donor in an American girl, “There were two donors who were 90% compatible, including a German guy, but they opted for her after being able to get in touch right away.”
During the offseason, he reached an agreement with his former team, Dinamo Sassari, to play in the FIBA Europe Cup and Italy’s LBA UnipolSai once he’s allowed to resume his basketball career.
“I wasn’t part of their plans, regardless of my illness,” he commented on parting ways with Virtus Segafredo Bologna after two years, “Honestly, I would have been offended if they had re-signed me as a nice gesture just because I have leukemia.”
“I accepted Sassari’s offer, because my dream is to try and play again,” confirmed Polonara, “If I had accepted a role as a scout, it would have meant giving up. My goal is to be medically cleared to return to action.”