Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell devoted endless hours to supporting her children’s hockey endeavors, battling multiple sclerosis since being diagnosed in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen admires her mother’s resilience in facing the challenges of the disease while prioritizing her family. Janet’s unwavering support at every practice and game, despite her personal struggles, has been a source of inspiration for Kristen. She describes her mother as her best friend and ultimate role model.
Participating in A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign, Campbell from Brandon, Manitoba, aims to raise awareness and support for the cause that is close to her heart. A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold on August 20 to MS Canada to aid individuals living with multiple sclerosis and fund research for treatments.
Kristen emphasizes the importance of supporting the MS community, highlighting her mother as one of the 90,000 Canadians affected by the disease. She hopes to contribute to increasing awareness, finding more effective treatments, and ultimately discovering a cure for MS.
Janet Campbell’s experience with MS has been unique, with most of her symptoms being invisible to others. Despite facing challenges like head pain, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes, she has led a fulfilling life without being hindered by her condition. Kristen attributes her strong work ethic and determination, qualities that have propelled her successful hockey career, to her mother’s influence.
Having achieved significant milestones in her hockey journey, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the top goaltender in the PWHL 2024 season, Campbell continues to excel. Transitioning to the Vancouver Goldeneyes for the 2025-26 season, she shares her excitement for the team’s growth and the ongoing support from fans.
Following a period of reflection after Vancouver missed the playoffs, Campbell engaged in coaching, running goalie camps, and resumed her training routine. With the upcoming season set to introduce new teams and enhancements to the PWHL, Campbell looks forward to the league’s continued evolution and expansion.
As she prepares for the upcoming season, Campbell remains focused on maintaining her peak performance levels mentally and physically. She acknowledges the league’s progress since her debut and expresses gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support, anticipating further growth and success in the future.