Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender 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 in the sport, despite battling multiple sclerosis since 1999, when Kristen was just a toddler.
Kristen admires her mother’s resilience and selflessness, as Janet never let her illness hinder her commitment to her family and attending all of Kristen’s hockey events. Kristen sees her mother as her best friend and ultimate role model in life.
Sharing her family’s journey, Campbell is participating in A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign, where $2 from each Teen Burger sold on August 20 will be donated to MS Canada to aid individuals living with the disease and advance research for treatments.
With over 90,000 Canadians affected by MS, Kristen aims to raise awareness and funds to support those fighting the disease and work towards finding a cure.
Although MS can manifest various symptoms affecting the central nervous system, most of Janet’s symptoms are invisible, such as headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen acknowledges her mother’s positive outlook and credits her for instilling in her the strong work ethic that has propelled her successful hockey career.
Having achieved notable milestones in her hockey journey, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the top goaltender in the PWHL, Campbell is now focused on coaching, organizing goalie camps, and preparing for the upcoming season. She cherishes the support of Goldeneyes fans and looks forward to the league’s growth with new teams joining the PWHL in the upcoming season.
As Kristen Campbell continues to navigate her hockey career and honor her mother’s strength, she remains committed to making a difference in the MS community and inspiring others through her dedication on and off the ice.