Former NHL star Ron Duguay is battling Stage 4 colon cancer, a diagnosis revealed by his family as they launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the mounting costs of his treatment. Duguay, a prominent figure in ice hockey and known for his time with the New York Rangers, has faced significant health challenges over the past year, marked by multiple surgeries and extensive medical expenses.
Diagnosis and Ongoing Struggles
At 68 years old, Duguay’s health issues began with a tumor in his colon, which has progressed to Stage 4. Since the diagnosis, he has undergone major surgeries, including the removal of his appendix and gallbladder. The physical toll has been substantial for the athlete, who was once celebrated for his dynamic presence on the ice.
Though he has kept his health struggles largely private, Duguay’s daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, recently shared details about his ongoing battle. They revealed that he has been engaged in this fight for about a year, traveling bi-weekly from Florida to Orange County for treatment.
Support from Family and Friends
Support has poured in from loved ones, particularly from former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, who has been a constant presence during Duguay’s hospital stays. A heartfelt Instagram reel shared by his daughter showed Palin caring for Duguay in his hospital room, highlighting the strong network of support surrounding the hockey legend during this challenging time.
The GoFundMe campaign, initiated by his daughters, aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with Duguay’s treatment. They emphasized that although he rarely seeks help, the escalating costs for travel, alternative therapies, and treatments not covered by insurance have necessitated this appeal for assistance.
Duguay has opted for a treatment plan that combines traditional Western medicine with alternative therapies. He is undergoing chemotherapy at City of Hope while also exploring unconventional options such as blood ozone therapy, IV vitamin drips, and ivermectin.
Duguay’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, a result of his successful NHL career and subsequent media engagements. Yet, he acknowledges that the financial strain from ongoing treatments has become overwhelming, stating that it is “so freaking costly.”
Despite recent setbacks, including rising cancer markers, Duguay remains committed to finding effective treatment options. His family is exploring avenues outside the United States to enhance his chances of recovery. As they navigate this challenging journey, Duguay aims to share his experiences to support others facing similar health battles.
As of February 2026, updates on Duguay’s health remain closely monitored. His resilience and determination continue to inspire many as he confronts this significant health challenge while surrounded by a devoted support system.
