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Ron Duguay’s sickness led to a nasty fall in his home, and his daughter is addressing the incident!

The former hockey player, who revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier in the year due to the pressing financial implications of treating the illness, has reportedly suffered a serious home accident leading to hospitalization.

Ron Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2024, with his daughter, Shay Thomas, recently revealing it took lots of fighting for him to break his silence and ask for help through fundraising.

Ron Duguay’s Daughter Revealed The Health Update

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The retired athlete’s daughter took to Instagram to share a crucial situation report on what transpired at his home on Friday, July 24, where he became unconscious and, as a result, fainted.  

“On Friday, he fainted at home, was unconscious, injured a few parts of his face, and knocked out a few teeth in the fall…this time, it wasn’t from hockey. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital,” the post read.

Medical experts got to work upon his hospitalization, eventually discovering that Duguay had been extremely dehydrated and dealing with a low appetite due to his sickness. The doctor also reportedly made further discoveries, including varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding, and an ulcer. 

She stressed that his liver has also felt the impact of the cancer residing there, and the treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and the pump, has caused so much pressure to build in there.

The Former Hockey Champ Is Reportedly Getting Blood Transfusion

His daughter continued that the pressure in the liver usually finds its way to the stomach, causing bleeding, but further evaluation must be done about the cancer. She stressed that Duguay’s bleeding and liver pressure remain major points of concern as he is still admitted to the hospital and receiving blood transfusions.

She explained that doctors are also closely monitoring the situation, but the former athlete has displayed strength, positive energy, and firm trust in God along the way. Duguay’s daughter urged everyone to keep him in their prayers as she promised to come through with the updates.

Several commenters trooped under the post showing support and solidarity to the NHL star’s family, promising her that Duguay will overcome this phase of his life. “God bless you, Ron. May God replenish, restore, and heal you in the mighty name of Jesus,” one user declared.

More concerned internet fans and followers reassured the NHL star’s daughter that they have started a prayer chain for the retired hockey star, asking God to perform a miracle on his health. 

More Than Half Of Ron Duguay’s $300,000 Healthcare Fund Has Been Raised

As seen on the family’s GoFundMe account set up by his daughter, Shay Thomas, they explained that Duguay has never been the type to ask for help or monetary assistance and has tried to handle everything on his own without bothering anyone.

Shay explained that because of his cancer, he has not been able to work as he should, coupled with the complications from the care he received in Florida that nearly ended his life. They decided to fly him out to Orange County, where Thomas lived with his sister, for him to receive quality treatment.

He must, however, shuffle between Florida and Orange County every two weeks for treatment, and the cost of constant travel, along with medical care, therapies, supplements, and alternative treatments, has become financially overwhelming.

She added that since his cancer numbers have started to rise again, it has become necessary for them to explore additional treatment options outside of the United States to give him a chance at life. 

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, truly means the world to our family…Thank you for standing with our dad and our family as we continue this fight together,” the post ended. As of now, $159,231 has been raised from the $300,000 goal.

The Hockey Coach’s Daughter Reflected On The Difficult Reality Of His Cancer Journey

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In February, Thomas opened up about the emotional toll of watching the NHL legend battle cancer, admitting that nothing could have prepared her family for the painful reality of the terminal illness. 

In the Instagram post, she explained that cancer has been an unpredictable opponent that has forced them to change treatment plans just as hope begins to rear its head in their direction about progress. Thomas continued that the journey has been filled with them having to make intense arrangements simply because struggling with cancer is rarely straightforward.

The video also included footage of Duguay receiving hospital care, prepping for surgery, and spending time with family and close friends. The shot included former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who has been romantically linked to the retired hockey player since 2022.

Despite the setbacks, Thomas encouraged others facing similar battles not to lose hope. She offered prayers to families dealing with cancer and urged them to remain strong, keep believing, and trust that better days are still possible.

Duguay appeared in 12 seasons in the NHL from 1977 through 1988, wearing the jerseys of the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ron Duguay’s Daughter Praised Sarah Palin for Support During Cancer Battle, Slammed Critics

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Thomas did not spare a minute in responding to critics who questioned why her family launched a GoFundMe for her former NHL player father, who operated under the assumption that her father made enough money during his career. As noted by US Weekly, she asserted that the reality was different and the financial burden of a serious illness like cancer can overwhelm anyone and force them to ask for help. 

As of 2026, Duguay’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.2 million from his hockey career and gig as a TV hockey analyst. The Times of India shared that the athlete played for several teams in the NHL, including the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.

Thomas praised Palin for standing by her father throughout his health journey despite the distance between them, with the former governor residing in Alaska and Duguay in Florida.

According to Thomas, Palin has repeatedly traveled on short notice to support Duguay, including staying by his side in the hospital for five days after a major surgery involving his colon and liver. 

Get well soon, Ron Duguay!

The NHL Legend Ron Duguay ‘Knocked Out A Few Teeth’ In Nasty Fall Amid Cancer Battle first appeared on The Blast