Politics
Hockey Legend Announces Tragic Diagnosis
New York Rangers icon Ron Duguay is facing the toughest fight of his life.
The 68-year-old former NHL star revealed to Page Six that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer that originated in his colon and has been battling the disease for more than a year. During that time, he has lost both his appendix and gallbladder as part of treatment.
“I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,” Duguay said to Page Six.
“Normally, I’m helping others.”
His daughters have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting expenses tied to travel, treatment and alternative therapies. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had brought in more than $31,000.
“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help…especially when it comes to money,” Duguay’s daughters wrote. “He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he’s going through. 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.
“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.”
Duguay told Page Six that cancer “sucks the life out of you,” and is “so freaking costly.”
The Rangers legend, who helped lead the team to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final after being selected No. 13 overall in the 1977 NHL Draft, later spent more than a decade as an analyst on MSG Network. He also had stints with the Red Wings, Kings and Penguins during his 12-season NHL career, finishing with 274 goals and 346 assists and earning an All-Star nod in 1981-82.
According to the GoFundMe page, Duguay’s prior treatment in Florida “nearly cost him his life,” prompting the family to relocate him to Orange County, California, to be closer to his daughters.
Wanted to share this on behalf of @RonDuguay10’s family. Sending so many prayers.🙏❤️
“Our family is facing a tough battle as our dad fights cancer. The financial strain of ongoing treatments and travel is overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a real…— Mandy Del Rio Smith (@MandyDelRio) February 25, 2026
“However, this now requires him to fly from Florida to Orange County every two weeks for ongoing treatment,” they wrote. “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.
“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. These treatments are very expensive and add another layer of financial strain during an already difficult time.”
Duguay said he is pursuing both conventional and alternative therapies.
Family of former New York Rangers player Ron Duguay say he has cancer, launches GoFundMe https://t.co/58pRvLZ8mT pic.twitter.com/PEFORAXT7s
— Page Six (@PageSix) February 25, 2026
“I am going to do all the alternative along with the Western medicine,” Duguay said to Page Six. “What I am learning, I will be able to share with others.”
He added, “I need to get better so I can help others.”
In an emotional Instagram post, his daughter Shay said her father is “doing everything he possibly can.”
“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,” she wrote. “He is all in. Every single day. And through it all, his faith has never wavered.”
Now, the Broadway hero who once thrilled Madison Square Garden is leaning on the community he inspired for decades — determined, as always, to keep fighting.
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