Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell dedicated extensive time in cold arenas, shuttling her children to practices and games while passionately supporting them. Amid Kristen’s on-ice battles, Janet fought her own war against multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen expressed admiration for her mother’s resilience in facing the disease’s challenges while prioritizing her family and children. Janet’s unwavering support for Kristen’s hockey pursuits, despite her own health struggles, left a lasting impact on her daughter. Kristen, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is now sharing her family’s journey as part of A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS initiative.
On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada, aiding individuals affected by the disease and contributing to research for treatments. Kristen emphasized the personal significance of supporting the cause, given her mother is one of the 90,000 Canadians living with MS. She aims to raise awareness, offer support to those battling MS, and advocate for advancements in treatments towards finding a cure.
Reflecting on her mother’s experience with MS, Kristen highlighted the diverse symptoms the disease can present, such as vision impairment, numbness, and cognitive changes. While Janet’s symptoms are mostly hidden, Kristen mentioned her mother’s occasional headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature shifts. Despite these challenges, Janet has led a fulfilling life, inspiring Kristen with her strength and fortitude.
Kristen attributes many of her own qualities, including a strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence. Her dedication and talent as a goaltender have propelled her to success, notably winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and earning recognition as the top goalie in the PWHL. Transitioning to play for the Goldeneyes, Kristen expressed gratitude for the support of fans during the team’s inaugural season and looks forward to further developing the franchise.
Following a break after Vancouver’s playoff miss, Kristen engaged in coaching goalie camps and resumed her training routine. As she prepares for the upcoming season, Kristen emphasized the intentional mental and physical process required at this stage of her career. With the league expanding to include new teams, Kristen is excited about the PWHL’s growth and evolution since her debut, anticipating a competitive and transformative season ahead.