Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet Campbell dedicated endless hours at cold rinks, shuttling kids to practices, and enthusiastically supporting plays from the sidelines. While Kristen faced challenges on the ice, Janet fought her own battle with 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 hurdles it presented. Janet’s unwavering support for her children was evident through her attendance at every practice and game, despite her personal struggles. Kristen described her mother as her best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell 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, aiming to provide assistance to individuals living with the disease and further research on treatment options.
Kristen emphasized the significance of supporting a cause close to her heart, given her mother’s status as one of the 90,000 Canadians grappling with MS. She aims to raise awareness, garner support, and contribute towards finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the condition.
Reflecting on her mother’s experience with MS, Kristen noted that the disease affects the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms such as vision impairment, numbness, cognitive changes, and mood swings. Despite facing invisible symptoms like headaches, leg stiffness, and temperature sensitivity, Janet has lived a fulfilling life without letting the condition hinder her.
Kristen attributes many of her own qualities, including her strong work ethic, to her mother’s influence. Her achievements in hockey, such as winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the top goaltender in the PWHL 2024 season, are a testament to her dedication and perseverance.
Following Vancouver’s playoff miss in May, Campbell took a break before diving back into coaching and organizing goalie camps. With the upcoming season presenting new challenges and opportunities, including the addition of teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Kristen looks forward to continuing her hockey journey and witnessing the growth of the sport.
As she gears up for the upcoming season, Kristen remains focused on gradually preparing herself both mentally and physically, highlighting the intentional process required at this stage of her career. The evolution of the PWHL from its inception to a league with 12 teams playing in NHL venues showcases the remarkable progress made, fueled by the unwavering support and belief of fans in the league’s future.