The family of former New York Rangers legend Ron Duguay have launched a GoFundMe to raise funds amid the ice hockey player’s battle with cancer.
Created on Tuesday, February 24, by Duguay’s two daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, whom he shares with ex-wife Robin Bobo, the GoFundMe page detailed that Duguay, 68, is flying from Florida to Orange County “every two weeks for ongoing” cancer treatment.
Speaking to Page Six on Tuesday, Duguay revealed that he “has been battling cancer for a year” after being diagnosed with “Stage 4 cancer which started in the colon.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Duguay for comment.
According to the GoFundMe page, which lists Duguay as a “Co-organizer,” the athlete did not initiate the crowdfunding exercise. “Our dad has never been someone who asks for help … especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through,” a description on the page read. “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.”
At the time of publication, the initiative had raised nearly $21,000 from 114 donations. Its target was listed as $26,000.
The description also shed light on what Duguay has experienced in the wake of his diagnosis. It stated, “Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would, yet he continues to fight with everything he has. 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 … and thankfully, it has helped him so far.”
As for what the funds would specifically go towards, Duguay’s daughters provided further insight. “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 description continued, before noting that Duguay’s diagnosis is not slowing down.
“Recently, his cancer numbers have started to rise again, and while he continues his current treatments, we are now exploring additional treatment options outside of the United States in hopes of giving him the best possible chance,” the description read. “These treatments are very expensive and add another layer of financial strain during an already difficult time.”
Duguay, who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) including six seasons with the Rangers across two separate stints, told Page Six on Tuesday, “I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through.” He added, “Normally I’m helping others.”
Duguay, who is currently dating former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin, also told the outlet that cancer “sucks the life out of you” and has proven “so freaking costly” before offering an update on his battle.
“I am going to do all the alternatives, along with the Western medicine,” Duguay said. “What I am learning I will be able to share with others … I need to get better so I can help others.”
Duguay has been dating Palin, 62, since around 2022, with the athlete including glimpses of her in his social media posts over the years.
