Sarah Palin is offering a rare, personal look into her relationship with former New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay as he faces a serious health fight.
Images and video shared by Duguay’s daughter, Shay, with The New York Post show the 68-year-old hockey veteran surrounded by family while undergoing treatment for Stage 4 cancer. In one clip, Palin is seen at his bedside in a hospital, helping care for him during recovery. Another photo captures the couple smiling together, a quieter moment amid an ongoing battle.
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Duguay recently confirmed that his diagnosis stems from cancer that began in his colon more than a year ago. Since then, he has undergone multiple procedures, including the removal of his appendix and gallbladder, as doctors work to manage the disease.
The former NHL player, who was selected No. 13 overall by the Rangers in the 1977 NHL Draft, spent eight seasons with the franchise and played a key role in the team’s run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. After his playing career, he remained a familiar face to fans through a long stint as a television analyst.
Now, his focus is on treatment and recovery.
“I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs I’m going through,” Duguay said in a statement. “Normally, I’m helping others.”
His daughters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting expenses tied to travel, treatment, and care. The fundraiser has already surpassed its initial $50,000 goal, reflecting strong support from fans and the hockey community.
In a message posted on the page, his daughters explained the decision to seek help publicly. “Our dad has never been someone who asks for help… especially when it comes to money,” they wrote. “But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser… because of the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.”
Duguay has pursued a combination of traditional and alternative treatments. Alongside chemotherapy and major surgeries targeting his liver and colon, he is also exploring holistic approaches. “I am going to do all the alternative along with the Western medicine,” he said. “What I am learning, I will be able to share with others.”
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Palin, who has been linked to Duguay since 2022, has largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight. In a past interview, she described their connection as “safe and comfortable,” adding that he has been someone she can confide in beyond public life.