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Former New York Rangers center Ron Duguay had a terrifying incident last week when his daughter, Shay Thomas, revealed that he fell unconscious at their home and suffered injuries.
Thomas posted on Instagram on Monday, where he revealed that his father passed out after being “extremely dehydrated.”
Duguay, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer earlier this year, also had “varicose veins, portal hypertension gastropathy, internal bleeding and an ulcer,” after consulting doctors.
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Ron Duguay attends the 71st Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York on June 11, 2017. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
“Our dad @ronduguay10 continues to show us how strong he is,” Thomas wrote in his Instagram post. “On Friday he passed out at home, became unconscious, hurt parts of his face and broke some teeth in the fall… this time, it wasn’t because of hockey. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital.”
Duguay’s cancer is in his liver and Thomas revealed that “pressure has built up inside the liver” after “surgery, chemotherapy and the pump.”
“That pressure can return to the stomach and cause bleeding. The ulcer still needs further evaluation, but bleeding and pressure on the liver are the main concerns at this time,” Thomas added.
Thomas’ post also had a video of Duguay getting into the back of an ambulance on a stretcher.
“He is still admitted to the hospital and receiving blood transfusions while doctors continue to monitor him closely,” Thomas wrote in his post.
Ron Duguay (10) of the New York Rangers skates during warmups before the start of the alumni game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 31, 2011. (Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
“Through it all, our dad remains strong, positive and trusting God every step of the way. We will continue to keep everyone informed. Please keep him covered in prayer.”
Duguay was undaunted by the incident, saying, “I found my teeth on the bedroom floor,” in an Instagram story that showed a photo of him missing some of his teeth.
Duguay revealed his cancer diagnosis in February and issued a heartbreaking plea for help as he continued treatment “in hopes of giving him the best chance possible.”
Duguay, 68, spoke for the first time about his health with Page Six and told the outlet that seeking financial support has been a challenge for him as someone who has used his platform to try to help others.
“It’s extremely difficult for me to ask for funds for all these costs that I’m going through,” he said. “Normally, I help others.”
GREAT RANGERS FAMILY RON DUGUAY MAKES GREAT PLEA AS HE FIGHTS STAGE 4 CANCER
NEW YORK, NY – 1982: Ron Duguay #10 of the New York Rangers poses for a portrait while walking the streets of New York City circa September 1982 in New York, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer more than a year ago, causing him to lose his appendix and gallbladder during his treatment. His family started a GoFundMe campaign to share details of his condition and plans for further treatment.
“Our dad has never been one to ask for help… especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didn’t want to burden anyone else with what he is going through. But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because we have seen firsthand the weight this battle has put on him, both physically and financially,” the family wrote in the campaign post.
“Due to his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work like he normally would, but he continues to fight with everything he has. Early in his treatment, the care he received in Florida almost cost him his life. That led us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here… and fortunately, it has helped him so far.”
Duguay was one of the Rangers’ most recognizable players of the late 1970s and early 1980s after being selected 13th overall in 1977. He was a key part of the team’s run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final.
Ronald McDonald House of New York Assistant Director of Special Events and Foundation Relations Jerome Kelton and New York Rangers Alumnus Ron Duguay attend Ronald McDonald House of New York’s Skate With The Greats on February 21, 2020 in New York City. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Ronald McDonald House in New York)
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He played in 864 games during an 11-year NHL career, recording 274 goals and 346 assists. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
Duguay is in a relationship with former Republican vice presidential candidate and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who has been a strong supporter of the former NHL player during his battle with cancer.
