Shay explained that they had been unable to see each other as often because of his treatment and Palin’s responsibilities caring for her son, Trig, who requires additional care.
Duguay described visiting Palin and helping around her property during different seasons.
“I go there at different times,” he said. “I help with her landscaping in the summer, and I help in the winter clearing a little bit of snow, so I happened to be there in October… but unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling myself, so I had to leave.”
His daughter’s account described a close relationship complicated by the demands of cancer treatment and their separate family obligations.
A daughter’s appeal from his hospital bedside
Shay’s latest post focused on her father’s need for support.
“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,” she wrote.
“And I know so many love him so much. Please keep our dad in your prayers.”
The family announced Duguay’s diagnosis in February and established a GoFundMe page to help fund treatment. His daughter explained that the illness had reduced his ability to work.
She also said concerns about his earlier care in Florida led the family to bring him to Orange County, where she and her sister live, for treatment.
Duguay has undergone chemotherapy and surgery during his illness, including the removal of his gallbladder and appendix.
Serious complications during his cancer battle
On July 24, Duguay fainted at home and suffered severe facial injuries in a fall. He was found unconscious and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Testing revealed internal bleeding, an ulcer, varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy.
Shay explained at the time that cancer in his liver, alongside the physical toll of surgery, chemotherapy and a hepatic pump, had caused pressure to build inside the organ and back up into his stomach.
Despite those complications, she said he remained positive and committed to his faith.
“Through it all, our dad remains strong, positive, and trusting God every step of the way,” she wrote.
Before his illness, Duguay built a 12-season NHL career with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He later spent 12 years working as an analyst for MSG Network’s Rangers coverage, leaving in 2018.
His latest family update shows him in hospital, while his daughter continues to ask for prayers and Palin has been a recurring presence during his treatment.
