Ron Duguay, a former star player for the New York Rangers, has been released from the hospital and is recuperating at home following a collapse that occurred last week. His daughter, Shay Thomas, provided an update on his health via social media, stating that Duguay is currently battling Stage 4 colon cancer that has metastasized to his liver.
Duguay was hospitalized after fainting and sustaining facial injuries. According to Thomas, doctors attributed the fainting spell to dehydration, as Duguay had been experiencing nausea and difficulty eating.
"He still isn’t feeling his best or eating much, but he is taking it day by day, trying to get down some soup and slowly regain his strength," Thomas wrote. She also outlined the upcoming phase of his treatment.
"Our main focus is getting him strong enough to travel back to Orange County and return to City of Hope," she stated. "His next treatment will be Bizengri, also known as zenocutuzumab-zbco, a targeted therapy that works by blocking certain signals that can help cancer cells grow. We are praying this will be the treatment his body responds to."
Thomas also detailed the dental injuries Duguay sustained in the fall. "Dad lost all of his veneers and two of his natural teeth. A few more also fell out after he returned home, likely because they were loosened during the accident," she explained. "Once he is feeling stronger, he will need to see a dentist to begin repairing the damage."
A video shared by Thomas showed Duguay smiling, with a missing tooth visible. The family publicly announced Duguay's cancer diagnosis in February, establishing a GoFundMe page to support his treatment.
Duguay, who played for the Rangers in two separate stints during the 1970s and 1980s, was recognized for his offensive capabilities and distinctive hairstyle. He was selected to the All-Star team in the 1981-82 season, during which he scored 40 goals. His NHL career also included time with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.