Ron Duguay’s daughter shares photo pleading for prayers amid stage 4 colon cancer
Former Rangers star Ron Duguay, 69, is fighting stage 4 colon cancer that spread to his liver; his daughter posted a hospital photo urging prayers.
Ron Duguay, a 69‑year‑old former New York Rangers star, is battling stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to his liver, and his daughter posted a hospital photo asking for prayers. The appeal highlights the severity of his illness and the family’s call for public support.
Ron Duguay, the 69‑year‑old former New York Rangers forward, suffered a frightening collapse at home in July that left him unconscious, caused facial injuries and resulted in the loss of several teeth. The incident, which the family says was caused by dehydration after Duguay felt unwell and had difficulty eating, added a painful physical setback to his ongoing battle with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to his liver.
On Sunday, Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, posted a stark Instagram photo of herself kneeling beside her father in a hospital bed, hand on his lap, and asked followers for “all the prayers we can get.” The image and caption have quickly circulated online, drawing attention to the seriousness of his condition.
“I wasn’t planning on posting anything. but I believe in the power of prayer, and right now, we need all the prayers we can get. And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers,” Thomas wrote.
Thomas also emphasized her father’s resilience despite the setbacks.
“Our dad @ronduguay10 continues to show us just how strong he is,” she added.
What we know
According to the family’s statements, Duguay’s cancer diagnosis was announced in February. The disease began in his colon over a year ago and has since led to the removal of his appendix and gallbladder. Medical complications have caused pressure to build up in his liver, which can back up into the stomach and cause bleeding. The family noted that an ulcer still requires further evaluation, and that liver pressure and bleeding are the primary concerns at present.
The July collapse resulted in Duguay losing all of his veneers and two natural teeth, with additional teeth lost after he returned home. The injuries were not related to hockey, as Thomas clarified, but stemmed from the fall caused by fainting.
Duguay’s professional hockey career spanned 12 NHL seasons, eight of which were with the New York Rangers after being selected No. 13 overall in the 1977 amateur draft. He helped the Rangers reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and earned a spot in the 1982 All‑Star Game, scoring 40 goals that season. He retired in 1989 with 274 goals and 346 assists across 864 games, later playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
- Age: 69
- Diagnosis: Stage 4 colon cancer, spread to liver
- Medical events: July collapse, facial injuries, loss of veneers and teeth
- Career highlights: 8 seasons with Rangers, 1979 Stanley Cup Final, 1982 All‑Star, 274 career goals
The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses, though the post did not disclose the amount raised. Their public appeal for prayers reflects both the emotional toll of the disease and the desire for community support during a difficult treatment phase that includes surgery, chemotherapy and a liver pump.
Sources
Photo: Ivan S / Pexels (illustrative)