Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell dedicated endless hours in cold arenas, shuttling kids to practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from behind the glass. While Kristen faced challenges on the ice, Janet fought her battle against multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just two years old.
Kristen Campbell expressed admiration for her mother’s resilience in coping with the disease and the associated obstacles. Despite her own struggles, Janet always prioritized her family and children, attending every hockey practice, game, and tournament for Kristen. Kristen described her mother as her closest confidante and the primary role model in her life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is 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 to aid individuals living with the disease and support ongoing research for effective treatments.
“My mom is one of 90,000 Canadians battling MS, so supporting this cause is deeply personal to me and my fellow Canadians,” Campbell stated. “I aim to stand in solidarity with all individuals fighting MS, raise awareness, advocate for better treatments, and ultimately strive towards finding a cure.”
MS impacts the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms ranging from vision impairment to sensory changes and cognitive shifts. Most of Janet Campbell’s symptoms are not visible, including headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen emphasized her mother’s resilience in leading a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by the disease, highlighting that Janet has not let her symptoms hinder her daily activities.
Attributing many of her own qualities to her mother, Campbell acknowledged that her work ethic, which has propelled her hockey career, stems from Janet’s influence. The 28-year-old goalie achieved success by winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being recognized as the top goaltender in the PWHL during the 2024 season.
Following a season where Vancouver missed the playoffs, Campbell took a break to spend time with family and friends before delving into coaching and conducting goalie camps. She emphasized the intentional approach required to regain peak performance both mentally and physically, especially at this stage of her career.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season starting in November, Campbell highlighted the PWHL’s expansion with new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton. She expressed excitement over the league’s growth since her debut in January 2024, noting the enhanced fan support and the league’s evolution into larger venues, reflecting the fans’ belief in the product and the league’s future prospects.