Vancouver Goldeneyes goalkeeper Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother, Janet Campbell. Like many parents of hockey players, Janet dedicated countless hours to supporting her children’s hockey pursuits despite battling multiple sclerosis since being diagnosed with the condition in 1999. Kristen admires her mother’s strength in facing the challenges of the disease while prioritizing her family and constantly being there for her daughter throughout her hockey journey.
Kristen Campbell, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, is using her family’s story to raise awareness and support for those affected by multiple sclerosis through 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 the disease and contribute to research for better treatments.
Campbell emphasizes the importance of supporting the over 90,000 Canadians living with MS, including her mother, by participating in initiatives like this campaign. She aims to increase awareness, promote research for improved treatments, and ultimately find a cure for the disease.
Janet Campbell’s experience with MS, which affects the central nervous system, includes various symptoms such as invisible pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Despite these challenges, Kristen acknowledges her mother’s resilience and positive outlook on life, which has inspired her own work ethic and success in her hockey career as a 28-year-old goalie.
Having achieved significant milestones in her hockey journey, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being recognized as the top goaltender in the PWHL, Campbell continues to excel. She reflects on the special experience of playing for the Goldeneyes, the PWHL’s first expansion team, and expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of fans.
During the off-season following Vancouver’s playoff miss, Campbell took time for herself before returning to coaching and training. With the upcoming season set to feature new teams in the league, Campbell looks forward to the growth and development of the PWHL, appreciating the progress made since her early days in the league.
As she prepares for the upcoming season, Campbell remains focused on maintaining her peak performance both mentally and physically, embodying the dedication and passion that have defined her career.
