Details regarding former New York Rangers player Ron Duguay’s ongoing cancer battle have come to light.
The NHL legend’s family launched a GoFundMe to raise money for Duguay’s treatments in February 2026, revealing the athlete’s health struggles.
“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help … especially when it comes to money,” his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, wrote in the website’s description. “He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through.”
They continued, “But 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.”
Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA
Thomas and Stavros, whom Duguay shares with ex-wife Robin Bobo, noted that their dad “hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would, yet he continues to fight with everything he has.”
They explained that treatments in Florida apparently “nearly cost him his life,” so they brought Duguay to Orange County where Thomas and Stavros are located.
“Thankfully, it has helped him so far,” they added. “However, this now requires him to fly from Florida to Orange County every two weeks for ongoing treatment.”
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The GoFundMe asked for help with travel costs and medical care for Duguay, which have become “extremely overwhelming financially.” The sisters noted that they are also “exploring additional treatment options” outside of the United States since Duguay’s “cancer numbers have started to rise again.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Duguay:
Who Is Ron Duguay?
Duguay is a retired professional hockey player from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He spent 12 years in the NHL, playing from 1977 through 1989 before becoming an analyst for the MSG Network from 2007 to 2018.
What Teams Did Ron Duguay Play Hockey For?
Throughout his career, Duguay played on several NHL teams. He was drafted 13th overall by the New York Rangers in 1977. Duguay played for the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins before returning to the Rangers in 1987. He finished his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings.
Who Is Ron Duguay Dating?
Duguay is in a relationship with politician Sarah Palin.
Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
How Long Have Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin Been Together?
News broke in 2022 that Palin and Duguay were together. Their relationship came after Palin’s divorce from Todd Palin in 2020 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Duguay has appeared on Sarah’s Instagram several times over the years.
Sarah previously told The New York Post that her relationship with Duguay was “safe and comfortable.”
When Was Ron Duguay Diagnosed With Cancer?
It was reported that Duguay has been battling cancer for a year. The former athlete told Page Six in February 2026 that he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, which started in the colon. His appendix and gallbladder have since been removed as a result of his health battle.
Duguay told the publication that cancer “sucks the life out of you,” and is “so freaking costly,” while discussing his struggles.
