Ron Duguay Gains Hope in Stage 4 Cancer Fight
Rangers legend Ron Duguay, who recently opened up about his battle with Stage 4 colon cancer, is feeling renewed optimism.
Following a visit to the City of Hope cancer center in Orange County, California, Duguay received encouraging news: his previously elevated blood markers have improved significantly. This
Ron Duguay Credits Daughters for Support as He Battles Stage 4 Colon Cancer
Former New York Ranger Ron Duguay, 68, who is facing Stage 4 colon cancer, says his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, have been a pillar of strength throughout his journey.
“My strength has come back, and when I have days like this, I have to celebrate it,” Duguay shared.
Fans will also notice a return of Duguay’s iconic hairstyle—the trademark locks that made him one of the most flamboyant players of the 1970s and ’80s, playing without a helmet. “I shaved my head, and it’s grown back darker and thicker,” he said.
Since his diagnosis in late 2024, Duguay has undergone a combination of treatments, including traditional chemotherapy as well as alternative therapies like methylene blue, Ivermectin, blood-filtering ozone therapy, and Vitamin C.
Ron Duguay Opens Up About Private Cancer Battle and Family Support
During his grueling fight with Stage 4 colon cancer, former New York Ranger Ron Duguay has undergone major surgeries, including the removal of his gallbladder and appendix, and at one point dropped from 210 to a frail 170 pounds.
“For more than a year, I kept my health battle private. A part of me was embarrassed. Here I am, a role model for good health, and I’m the one who gets sick,” Duguay, father of three and grandfather of six, explained.
But his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, stepped in to help. They organized a GoFundMe campaign to ease the mounting medical expenses as Duguay traveled between his Florida home and treatment centers in California.
“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,” Thomas wrote.
Ron Duguay Finds Strength in Sarah Palin and Community Support During Cancer Battle
“I said, ‘You are going to take a lot of heat. I’m a polarizing figure,’” Sarah Palin recalled telling Ron Duguay when they first started dating.
The couple’s story has sparked an outpouring of support, including more than $126,000 in donations and an overwhelming show of love from fans.
“I’ve been overwhelmed with people reaching out,” Duguay said.
He’s also received backing from old friends and even former rivals, like Islanders legend Bryan Trottier. The NHL and its alumni association have offered assistance, while his former Ontario junior club, the Sudbury Wolves, is organizing a homecoming fundraiser in September to honor their celebrated alumnus.
“It’s helped my mood and made me feel better,” Duguay shared.
Sarah Palin has been a constant source of comfort since they began seeing each other in 2022. In fact, Duguay was at her Alaska home when he first began feeling ill before his cancer diagnosis.
“Sarah is the sweetest, kindest person,” he said, adding that she’s “been a great companion” throughout his journey
Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin Share Strength and Support Amid Cancer Battle
Ron Duguay says his girlfriend, Sarah Palin, has often flown to be by his side during treatment, even choosing to sleep in his hospital room instead of a hotel.
“Any parent who has a special needs child, they get it,” he said, referring to Palin’s 16-year-old son, Trig, who has Down Syndrome.
Palin is equally heartfelt about their bond. “Ron is so good with Trig,” she shared. “A lot of people would shy away from a situation like that, but Ron is very nurturing and empathetic. He’s been a true helpmate with Trig.”
When they first began dating, Palin warned Duguay about the public scrutiny he might face. “I said, ‘You are going to take a lot of heat. I’m a polarizing figure,’” she recalled.
Ron Duguay Opens Up About Feeling Frozen Out by Rangers, Finds Support in Sarah Palin
Ron Duguay, seen showing off before-and-after scans of his cancer treatment, says he feels “heartbroken” about being sidelined by the New York Rangers organization.
Instead, he has fully embraced his relationship with Sarah Palin, without regrets. He recalled a 2022 incident while dining outdoors at Elio’s on the Upper East Side, when a photographer approached Palin—who had publicly revealed she had Covid—to ask if anyone was concerned.
Duguay quickly stepped in, confronting the photographer and asking if he was “looking for trouble.” “It was like I was playing with Wayne Gretzky on my line and someone was messing with him,” Duguay said, describing his protective instinct.
Palin has reciprocated that support. When Duguay had surgery a few months ago, she flew from her home in Alaska to be by his side, sleeping in a chair at his bedside for five days rather than staying in a hotel.
Ron Duguay Feels Snubbed by Rangers Amid Cancer Battle, Finds Joy in Family and Sarah Palin
Despite feeling left out by the New York Rangers, Ron Duguay has reason to celebrate at home: his newest grandson is named Ranger.
“She’s been there all the way,” Duguay said, referring to girlfriend Sarah Palin.
Both Duguay and Palin have wondered if their high-profile relationship contributed to what he describes as a confusing freeze-out from the Rangers organization.
Duguay, who played center for the Rangers from 1977–1983 and again in 1987–1988, also spent 12 seasons as an MSG Networks analyst. After being let go following the 2017–2018 season, he remained in good standing as an alum and, for a time, as an ambassador representing the team at public events.
Recently, Duguay was noticeably absent from the Rangers’ annual Ronald McDonald House “Skate with the Greats” event, a snub that fans spotted on X. (A source noted that Duguay was invited to the 2026 Winter Classic and two other alumni events in recent months, attending one.)
Ron Duguay Opens Up About Feeling Sidetracked by Rangers Amid Cancer Battle
Ron Duguay, once a Rangers fan favorite and flamboyant star who played without a helmet, was featured on the cover of Interview Magazine and appeared in a Sasson jeans commercial during his playing days.
“I’m heartbroken,” Duguay admitted.
While he doesn’t blame MSG, the Rangers, or CEO Jim Dolan personally, he suspects someone high up “has a dislike for me.”
A spokesperson for the Rangers told The Post: “The Rangers organization wishes Ron and his family the best during this difficult battle.”
Duguay acknowledged he may have stirred controversy in 2024 when he tweeted that former Ranger Dave Maloney should replace Joe Micheletti in his role—but quickly deleted it, fearing it was too critical.
“Sure enough, six months go by and I’m not invited to anything,” Duguay said. “They’ve thrown me to the curb like a cat with freaking rabies, and I’m hurt by it.”
He says he would welcome an olive branch, even a simple phone call to explain why the relationship soured.
Ron Duguay Reflects on Hockey Fame, Family, and Life Amid Cancer Battle
Before his cancer diagnosis, Ron Duguay often traveled to his girlfriend Sarah Palin’s native Alaska.
Yet his family’s love for the Rangers endures. His son Noah, 32, whom he shares with model ex Kim Alexis, named his infant son Ranger—a nod to the franchise that shaped Duguay’s life.
Despite his health struggles and friction with the team, Duguay considers himself fortunate. The “little kid” from Sudbury, Ontario, was drafted by the Rangers in 1977 and quickly became a fixture in New York City high life. He spent nights at Studio 54, starred in a denim ad—crooning “ooh la la Sasson” with his signature hockey-flow hair—and in March 1980, was featured on the cover of Interview Magazine by Andy Warhol.
His celebrity circles included Liza Minnelli, Farah Fawcett, and Cher. “And then I’m having dinner with Steven Spielberg, and he’s thinking about using me as the lead role in Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Duguay recalled.
Ron Duguay Turns Cancer Battle Into Mission of Advocacy and Awareness
Since his Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis in late 2024, Ron Duguay has undergone a combination of traditional treatments, like chemotherapy, alongside alternative therapies including methylene blue, Ivermectin, blood-filtering ozone therapy, and Vitamin C.
Looking back, Duguay admits that his youthful naivete may have cost him a shot at Hollywood stardom. “I just wasn’t mature enough,” he said. The coveted role, of course, went to Harrison Ford, and Duguay instead carved out a 12-season NHL career, playing for the Rangers, Red Wings, Penguins, and finishing with the Kings.
Now, Duguay’s next role may be his most important: advocating for early cancer detection and encouraging people to get colonoscopies—something he personally avoided for years because “it seemed so invasive.”
He’s also eager to share his experience with alternative therapies, helping other patients understand the wide array of treatment options available.
Though his battle with cancer has been grueling, Duguay says it’s transformed him. “I find that it’s taken me to a kinder place,” he shared, adding that he sees his future with newfound clarity. “I believe I have a calling.”
