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Former New York Rangers center Ron Duguay had a scary incident this past week when his daughter, Shay Thomas, revealed that he fell unconscious at home and suffered injuries.
Thomas took to Instagram on Monday, revealing that her father passed out after being “extremely dehydrated.”
Duguay, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer earlier this year, also had “varicose veins, portal hypertensive gastropathy, internal bleeding and an ulcer,” after seeing doctors.
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Ron Duguay attends the 71st Annual 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 on his Instagram post. “Last Friday he passed out 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.”
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 back up in the abdomen and cause bleeding. The wound still needs further evaluation, but the bleeding and liver pressure are the main concerns right now,” added Thomas.
Thomas’ post also had video of Duguay entering the back of an ambulance on a stretcher.
“He is still in the hospital 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 prior to 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 trusts God every step of the way. We will continue to keep everyone updated. Please keep him covered in prayer.”
Duguay was undeterred by the incident, saying “Found my teeth on the bedroom floor,” in an Instagram story that showed a photo of him without any 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 possible chance.”
Duguay, 68, first opened up about his health to Page Six, telling the outlet that seeking financial support has been a challenge for him as someone who has used his platform to try to help others.
“I find it extremely difficult to ask for funds for all these costs I am going through,” he said. “Usually I help others.”
RANGERS GREAT RON DUGUAY’S FAMILY COMES HEARTBREAKING AS HE FIGHTS STAGE 4 CANCER
NEW YORK, NY – 1982: Ron Duguay #10 of the New York Rangers poses for a portrait while walking down the street in 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, and as a result lost his appendix and gallbladder during his treatment. His family started a GoFundMe campaign to share the details of his condition and plans for further treatment.
“Our father has never been one to ask for help…especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to do everything on his own and has not wanted to burden anyone else with what he is going through. But after many conversations as a family, we decided to do this fundraiser for him because we have seen firsthand the toll this fight has taken on him, both physically and financially,” the family wrote on the campaign.
“Due to his cancer, he hasn’t been able to work like he used to, yet he continues to fight with everything he has. Earlier in his treatment journey, the care he received in Florida nearly cost him his life. It prompted us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here…and thankfully, it has helped him so far.”
Duguay was one of the Rangers’ most recognizable players in the late 1970s and early 1980s after being drafted 13th overall in 1977. He was a key part of the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1979.
Assistant Director of Special Events & Foundation Relations at Ronald McDonald House New York Jerome Kelton and New York Rangers Alumni Ron Duguay participate in Ronald McDonald House New York’s Skate With The Greats on February 21, 2020 in New York City. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Ronald McDonald House 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 throughout his cancer battle.
