Former NHL Star Ron Duguay Confronts Stage IV Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Ron Duguay, the celebrated former New York Rangers hockey player, is currently engaged in the most challenging battle of his life. The 68-year-old athlete, who is in a relationship with former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, has received a diagnosis of Stage IV colon cancer. This distressing news emerged publicly after his family established a GoFundMe fundraising campaign, seeking $26,000 to assist with mounting medical and travel expenses.
Family Reveals Year-Long Struggle and Critical Treatment Journey
According to details shared on the fundraiser page, Duguay has been fighting cancer for approximately one year. His daughter, Shay Duguay, disclosed that the illness has severely impacted his ability to work normally. She recounted a harrowing episode where earlier treatment received in Florida "nearly cost him his life." Consequently, his daughters relocated him to Orange County, California, where they reside, to ensure he receives safer and more effective medical care.
Reports from Page Six confirm that Duguay was initially diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. Since that diagnosis, he has undergone multiple surgeries related to his condition, resulting in the removal of both his appendix and gallbladder. These procedures underscore the severity and complexity of his health challenges.
Financial Strain and Ongoing Treatment Efforts
Ron Duguay now travels from Florida to Orange County every two weeks for continuous treatment. His daughter elaborated on the GoFundMe page, explaining that "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." The family is also exploring treatment options outside the United States to maximize his recovery chances, but these alternatives are described as "very expensive and add another layer of financial strain during an already difficult time." To date, the fundraising effort has garnered nearly $20,000 in support.
Personal Reflections and Public Support
In an interview with Page Six, Duguay expressed the difficulty of asking for assistance, stating, "I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I'm going through. Normally I'm helping others." Despite his reluctance, the outpouring of support has been significant.
Duguay, who also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings during his NHL career and later served as a studio analyst on MSG Network from 2007 to 2018, recently posted a video on Instagram. The clip provides a poignant glimpse into his journey, showing him in hospital beds, using a walker, and spending quality time with family and Sarah Palin.
The accompanying caption emphasizes his unwavering determination: "He is doing everything he possibly can." It further notes that he is adhering to City of Hope's chemotherapy protocol while integrating various holistic treatments and has undergone major surgeries on both his liver and colon. "He is all in. Every single day. And through it all, his faith has never wavered," the message concludes, highlighting his resilience and positive spirit amidst adversity.
