Vancouver Goldeneyes goalie Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Just like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell dedicated endless hours in cold rinks, shuttling kids to and from practices, and enthusiastically supporting every move from the stands. While Kristen battled on the ice, Janet fought her own 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 strength in facing the challenges of the disease while prioritizing her family and being a constant presence at all of Kristen’s hockey activities. Janet’s resilience and selflessness have made her Kristen’s best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is spotlighting her family’s journey in conjunction with 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 to aid individuals living with multiple sclerosis and advance treatment research.
“My mom is among the 90,000 Canadians living with MS, so supporting this cause is deeply personal to me and my fellow Canadians,” said Campbell. She aims to raise awareness, provide support, and contribute to finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for MS.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and manifests in various symptoms, from vision impairment to sensory changes and cognitive shifts. Janet Campbell’s symptoms are mostly invisible, encompassing headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. Kristen acknowledges her mother’s resilience in living a fulfilling life despite the challenges posed by the disease.
Campbell attributes many of her qualities, including her strong work ethic, to her mother, traits that have propelled her hockey career. Noteworthy achievements include winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the top goaltender for the PWHL’s 2024 season.
Following a season with the Vancouver Goldeneyes, Campbell is focusing on coaching, hosting goalie camps, and honing her skills for the upcoming season. The PWHL is set to welcome new teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, marking significant growth since Campbell’s debut in 2024.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season starting in November, Campbell is excited about the league’s expansion and the unwavering support from fans that continue to propel the PWHL’s success and development.