Former New York Rangers hockey legend Ron Duguay, who is currently in a relationship with former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. The 68-year-old's family recently established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help manage the substantial medical expenses associated with his ongoing treatment.
Family Launches Fundraising Campaign
Duguay's two adult daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, created the online fundraiser, explaining that their father would typically never request financial assistance. In the campaign description, 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."
Details of the Diagnosis and Treatment
Duguay revealed to Page Six that his cancer originated in his colon, leading to the surgical removal of his appendix and gallbladder. He expressed difficulty in asking for support, stating, "I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I'm going through. Normally, I'm helping others."
The GoFundMe page outlines that the raised funds will be allocated toward:
- Frequent travel between Florida and Orange County, California
- Medical treatments and holistic care
- Supplements and alternative healing approaches
- Potential new treatments outside the United States
Challenges in Treatment and Travel
The family disclosed that early treatment in Florida nearly proved fatal, prompting them to relocate Duguay to Orange County where his daughters reside. He now travels from Florida to California every two weeks for medical care. The description 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."
Recently, Duguay's cancer numbers have begun to rise again, necessitating exploration of additional international treatment options. The page adds, "These treatments are very expensive and add another layer of financial strain during an already difficult time."
Fundraiser Progress and Family Background
As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had garnered over $54,000 in donations. Duguay shares his daughters with his first wife, Robin Bobo, and has a 32-year-old son named Noah from his second marriage to Kim Alexis.
Sarah Palin's Comments on His Health
Sarah Palin, Duguay's girlfriend, briefly addressed his health issues during an April 2025 defamation retrial against The New York Times. When asked about his whereabouts, she responded, "Oh, he's battling a health issue right now, but otherwise very well."
On Tuesday, daughter Shay Thomas posted an Instagram montage featuring clips of her father throughout his treatment journey, including moments with Palin.
Duguay's Hockey Career and Post-Retirement
Ron Duguay initially played for the New York Rangers from 1977 to 1983. Over his 12-season NHL career, he also competed for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, amassing 274 goals and 346 assists. Following his retirement from professional hockey, he served as a commentator for Rangers games on MSG Network for 12 years before being dismissed in 2018.
