New York Rangers legend Ron Duguay’s family has called for prayers and support amid his cancer battle.
Duguay, who is dating former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer over a year ago. The cancer has since spread to his liver.
His daughter, Shay Thomas, shared a heartbreaking post on Sunday, emotionally pleading with hockey fans to keep the icon in their prayers.
‘I wasn’t planning on posting anything. but I believe in the power of prayer, and right now, we need all the prayers we can get. And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers. @noah_duguay @amberstavros’ Shay wrote.
She shared the message alongside a photo of her kneeling beside her dad’s hospital bed with her hand on his lap.
The family announced Duguay’s diagnosis back in February, setting up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to support his treatment.
New York Rangers icon Ron Duguay has been battling Stage 4 colon cancer for over a year. Source: @mrs__shay
His daughter, Shay Thomas, shared a heartbreaking post calling for prayers. Source: @mrs__shay
‘Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,’ his daughter wrote on the fundraising page.
‘Earlier in his treatment journey, the care he received in Florida nearly cost him his life. That led us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here.’
Duguay was rushed to hospital in July after being found unconscious at home following a fall that left him with severe facial injuries.
The 69-year-old hockey icon fainted at his residence on July 24 before being transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility.
Extensive medical testing revealed severe underlying complications tied to his ongoing cancer battle, including varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding, and an ulcer.
Shay revealed at the time that the cancer in his liver – combined with the physical toll of surgery, chemotherapy, and a hepatic pump – caused severe pressure to build up inside the organ, backing up into his stomach and causing internal bleeding.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, his daughter noted that the former New York Rangers star maintains a strong spirit.
‘Through it all, our dad remains strong, positive, and trusting God every step of the way,’ Shay wrote. ‘We will continue to keep everyone updated. Please keep him covered in prayer.’
Former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, has been seen by Duguay’s side during treatment. Source: @mrs__shay
Duguay and Palin pictured together at an NBA game at Madison Square Garden in 2022
Duguay played for the Rangers, Penguins, Red Wings and Kings across his playing career
The update comes months after Duguay’s family opened up about the immense financial and physical strain of his diagnosis, with his partner, former Alaska Governor Palin, frequently by his side during his treatments.
While the pair have been closely linked since 2022 and Palin has frequently been seen at his bedside throughout his illness – including in family videos showing her feeding him in his hospital bed – the two have never officially confirmed their relationship status publicly.
Duguay and his daughter opened up on his relationship with Palin in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail earlier this year.
Shay revealed they are ‘very close,’ adding that ‘they haven’t been able to see each other as much lately because of what my dad is going through, and Sarah also has obligations caring for her son, Trig, who requires additional care.’
‘I go there at different times,’ Duguay himself explained. ‘I help with her landscaping in the summer, and I help in the winter clearing a little bit of snow, so I happened to be there in October… but unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling myself, so I had to leave.’
While Duguay has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, he has lost both his gallbladder and his appendix during his battle against the disease. Given the Stage 4 diagnosis, his cancer requires an extremely intense fight.
Duguay enjoyed a stellar 12-season NHL career from 1977 to 1989, making over 860 appearances across stints with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
Drafted 13th overall by the Rangers in 1977, the forward became a fan favorite in New York. He recorded 216 goals and 320 assists for 536 career points, highlighted by a standout 1981-82 season where he notched a career-high 40 goals.
Following his retirement from professional hockey, Duguay transitioned into broadcasting, serving as an in-studio analyst for MSG Network’s coverage of the Rangers for 12 years before stepping away in 2018.
