Ron Duguay's battle with cancer in need of prayers, girlfriend Sarah Palin says
Former Ranger Ron Duguay attends Ronald McDonald House New York's Skate With The Greats on in 2020 in New York City. Credit: Getty Images/Monica Schipper
Former New York Rangers All-Star Ron Duguay, who is battling Stage 4 colon cancer, needs support.
Duguay’s girlfriend Sarah Palin – the former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee alongside John McCain – posted an Instagram story on Sunday holding the hand of Duguay, 69, who appeared to be in a hospital bed.
“Prayers for Ron Duguay are so appreciated,” Palin wrote.
Duguay was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and the family created a GoFundMe in February to raise money for his treatments and travel expenses. The fundraiser stated he travels from Florida to Orange County, California, where his daughters live, every two weeks for treatment. The cancer has spread to his liver, according to the GoFundMe, which has raised $168,279 as of Wednesday afternoon.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out and loves our dad so deeply,” Duguay’s daughter Shay Thomas wrote on Facebook last Saturday. “Your continued prayers, love, and support mean more to our family than you know. As you all know, Dad is a fighter, and he never stops fighting. We’re taking it one day at a time, holding on to our faith, and believing in his healing.”
Duguay, who was born and raised in Ontario, had 620 career points – 274 goals and 346 assists – in 864 games over 12 NHL seasons as a center and right winger. The Rangers drafted him 13th overall in 1977, and he had 164 goals and 176 assists in eight seasons with the franchise. He also was a longtime analyst on MSG Network’s Rangers coverage from 2007-18.
Thomas wrote: “Please keep praying for our dad.”
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
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