Former New York Rangers player Ron Duguay, 68, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, with his family launching a GoFundMe page to cover mounting medical costs. The hockey legend, who is currently dating former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, began his battle with colon cancer, leading to the removal of his appendix and gallbladder.
Duguay's two daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, wrote in the fundraiser description that their father would never normally ask for help, but they have seen firsthand the physical and financial toll of the disease. “I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,” Duguay told Page Six. “Normally, I’m helping others.”
The fundraiser notes that early treatment in Florida nearly cost Duguay his life, prompting a move to Orange County, California, where his daughters live. He now flies from Florida to California every two weeks for treatment, with costs for travel, medical care, holistic therapies and alternative approaches becoming overwhelming. As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had raised over $54,000.
Duguay's cancer numbers have recently started to rise again, and the family is exploring additional treatment options outside the United States. Palin, 62, previously referenced his health issue during an April 2025 defamation retrial against The New York Times, stating, “Oh, he’s battling a health issue right now, but otherwise very well.”
Duguay played 12 NHL seasons for the Rangers, Red Wings, Kings and Penguins, scoring 274 goals and 346 assists. After retiring, he served as a Rangers commentator on MSG Network for 12 years until 2018.
