Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell spent numerous hours in cold rinks, shuttling kids to endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting every move from the sidelines. Amidst Kristen’s battles on the ice, Janet faced her own challenges fighting multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen Campbell, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is now sharing her family’s journey as part of A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada, aiding individuals living with the disease and furthering treatment research.
“My mom is one of the 90,000 Canadians living with MS, making this cause deeply personal to me and all Canadians,” Campbell expressed. “I aim to stand by those battling MS, raise awareness, support treatments, and work towards finding a cure.”
MS impacts the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms such as vision impairment, tingling sensations, cognitive changes, and mood swings. While most of Janet Campbell’s symptoms are not visible, Kristen revealed that her mother experiences head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen praised her mom for living a fulfilling life despite the disease, crediting her for instilling values like a strong work ethic that have propelled Kristen’s successful hockey career.
Kristen Campbell has seen significant achievements in her hockey journey, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the PWHL’s top goaltender in the 2024 season. Transitioning to play for the Goldeneyes, she shared the crease with Emerance Maschmeyer and delivered strong performances throughout the season. Reflecting on the inaugural season for the league’s first expansion team, Campbell highlighted the unwavering fan support and expressed eagerness to enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Following a period of rest post the playoffs, Campbell engaged in coaching goalie camps and resumed her training routine. With the next season slated to begin in November, the PWHL will witness new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, marking a significant evolution from its early days. Campbell emphasized the league’s growth, from its inception to the present, in large venues and sold-out games, attributing this success to the dedicated fan base.
As Campbell gears up for the forthcoming season, she emphasized the importance of mental and physical preparation, looking forward to contributing to the team’s progress and witnessing further expansion and success in the league.