A New York Rangers icon who is now dating former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been diagnosed with cancer.
Ron Duguay – a former star for the Blueshirts – is battling the disease, according to a GoFundMe set up by his family.
The daughters of the former forward have put up the fundraiser asking for $26,000 for the native of Sudbury, Ontario.
‘Because of his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work the way he normally would,’ his daughter Shay 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.’
Due to the nature of his affliction, Duguay is now required to fly from Florida to Orange County, California every two weeks to continue his care.
Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay is in a battle with stage 4 cancer
Duguay in a hospital bed being tended by his girlfriend and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin
Duguay’s cancer began in his colon, but led to the loss of his appendix and his gallbladder
‘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,’ she wrote.
The fundraiser also states that consideration is being given to ‘exploring additional treatment options outside of the United States in hopes of giving him the best possible chance.’
However, the fundraiser notes these therapies are ‘very expensive and add another layer of financial strain during an already difficult time.’
So far, the fundraiser has grossed nearly $20,000 to aid the former star of the Rangers who also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings.
According to Page Six, Duguay has been battling cancer for a year. He was initially diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, which has since led to him losing his appendix and gallbladder.
The 68-year-old – who also was a Rangers studio analyst on MSG Network from 2007 to 2018 – told the outlet that his daughters pushed him to start the fundraiser.
‘I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,’ he said. ‘Normally I’m helping others.’
In a video posted to Instagram, Duguay is seen in different hospital beds as he holds on to medical scans or uses a walker.
Duguay and Palin have been romantically linked for a number of years
Duguay played for the Rangers, Penguins, Red Wings and Kings across his playing career
The video also shows multiple moments with his family members as well as Palin.
‘He is doing everything he possibly can,’ reads the caption, which goes on to list various ways he’s tried to beat the disease – including through some methods not proven by science.
‘From Living Antioxidant Water, blood ozone therapy, IV vitamin drips, ivermectin, methylene blue, and countless holistic approaches, while also continuing City of Hope’s chemo protocol and undergoing major surgery on both his liver and colon.
‘He is all in. Every single day. And through it all, his faith has never wavered.’
