Former New York Rangers hockey legend Ron Duguay has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, a serious health battle that has prompted his family to launch a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover mounting medical expenses. The 68-year-old athlete, who is currently in a relationship with former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, revealed that the cancer originated in his colon, leading to the surgical removal of his appendix and gallbladder.
Family Steps In to Support Hockey Star
Duguay's two adult daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, initiated the fundraising campaign, explaining in the description that their father would typically never ask for assistance. They wrote, "After many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because we've seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially." The funds are intended to support travel, treatments, holistic care, and potential new therapies, as Duguay's condition has recently shown signs of progression.
Challenges in Treatment and Travel
The family detailed significant hurdles in Duguay's treatment journey. An earlier medical intervention in Florida nearly proved fatal, prompting a relocation to Orange County, California, where his daughters reside. Currently, Duguay travels from Florida to California every two weeks for ongoing care, a routine that has compounded financial pressures. The GoFundMe page notes, "The cost of constant travel, along with medical care, holistic therapies, supplements, and alternative healing approaches he has committed to, has become extremely overwhelming financially."
With cancer numbers rising again, the family is exploring additional treatment options outside the United States, which adds another layer of expense. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had garnered over $54,000 in donations, reflecting public support for the hockey icon.
Personal and Professional Background
Ron Duguay shares his two daughters with his first wife, Robin Bobo, and has a son, Noah, 32, from his second marriage to Kim Alexis. Throughout his 12-season NHL career, he played for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, amassing 274 goals and 346 assists. Post-retirement, he served as a commentator for Rangers games on the MSG Network for 12 years before his dismissal in 2018.
On Tuesday, Shay Thomas posted an Instagram montage featuring clips of her father during his treatment, including moments with his girlfriend, Sarah Palin. The 62-year-old politician briefly addressed Duguay's health in April 2025 during a defamation retrial against The New York Times, stating, "Oh, he's battling a health issue right now, but otherwise very well." This public acknowledgment underscores the personal challenges faced by the couple amidst this difficult period.
The diagnosis has drawn attention to the financial strains often associated with serious illnesses, even for well-known figures like Duguay. His family's proactive approach in seeking community support highlights the broader issues of healthcare costs and the emotional toll of cancer battles.
