Achille Polonara, bone marrow transplant: donor found

Achille Polonara spoke to the Corriere di Bologna about how his rehabilitation course in myeloid leukemia treatment is progressing: “I am fine, I spent the weekend with my children because then I won&#8217t be able to see them for a while and they will stay with their grandparents. On Monday I will have some visits for the bone marrow transplant, then on Tuesday the hospitalization”.

“The donor? An American girl who was 90% compatible. I was lucky, there were two 90% compatible donors, also a German guy, but they opted for her because they were able to get in touch right away. After admission on Tuesday, I will have to take a course of chemotherapy that will last 5-6 days. The transplant should take place around day 23-24.”

These months have not been easy: “There have been hard times, but the affection shown by so many people has helped me to be positive and look forward optimistically. I received so many messages and phone calls, from the basketball world and beyond, then my wife and children gave me the strength to look forward with positivity”.

From the basketball world Polonara also felt a lot of comfort: “Belinelli has been very close to me, we have been in touch daily. Then my national teammates and Pozzecco with their calls before games have shown me tremendous affection. Half an hour from an important challenge you don&#8217t expect a call from the locker room”.