Sudbury native, former NHLer Ron Duguay battles Stage 4 cancer

Sudbury hockey legend Ron Duguay has stage 4 colon cancer. His family is seeking help to pay for treatment in the U.S. and abroad through an online fundraiser.

Sudbury-born Ron Duguay, who was a star for the New York Rangers in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is battling cancer, his family has announced.

Duguay has Stage 4 colon cancer and his family has set up ‘Support Ron Duguay’s Fight Against Cancer,’ a GoFundMe page to help pay for treatments.

“Our dad has never been someone who asks for help, especially when it comes to money,” the page said.

“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 first-hand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”

Duguay played for the Sudbury Wolves from 1972-1977, with his best season in 1975-1976 when he had 42 goals and 92 assists.

He played for the Rangers from 1977-1983, scoring 40 goals and 36 assists in the 1981-1982 season. His best year came with the Detroit Red Wings in 1984-1985, when he had 38 goals and 51 assists. He also played with Pittsburgh and the L.A. Kings, finishing his NHL career in 1989.

Known for his good looks, Duguay made headlines when he briefly dated supermodel Carol Alt and, more recently, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

In his GoFundMe appeal, his family said he hasn’t been able to work because of cancer and faces a lengthy – and expensive – treatment battle.

Expensive treatments

“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 fundraiser said.

“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.”

The family is hoping to raise $100,000 to help pay for his “travel expenses, treatments, holistic care, and these new treatment options. Any contribution, no matter the amount, truly means the world to our family. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page or keeping him in your prayers is just as appreciated.”

As of the afternoon of Feb. 25, about $54,000 had been raised.