Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many hockey parents, Janet Campbell spent numerous hours in chilly arenas, shuttling her kids to and from endless practices, and supporting every move from the stands. While Kristen fought on the ice, Janet battled multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999, when Kristen was just two years old.
Kristen admires her mother’s resilience in facing the challenges of the disease while prioritizing her family and children. The Campbell family’s journey is now being shared as part of A&W’s annual Burgers to Beat MS campaign. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from every Teen Burger sold nationwide to support MS Canada in aiding individuals living with the disease and advancing research for treatments.
Kristen, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, highlights the importance of supporting a cause that is not only personal to her but also to many Canadians affected by MS. She aims to raise awareness, provide assistance to those battling MS, and contribute towards finding a cure.
Janet’s experience with MS has been largely internal, with symptoms like headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature changes. Kristen acknowledges her mother’s strength in leading a fulfilling life despite the challenges. She attributes her own work ethic and success as a 28-year-old goaltender to her mother’s influence.
Having achieved gold at the 2022 Olympics and being named the top goaltender in the PWHL in 2024, Kristen’s career has been marked by significant milestones. She expresses gratitude for the support of fans during the Goldeneyes’ inaugural season and looks forward to further developing the team and engaging more supporters.
Following a break after Vancouver missed the playoffs, Kristen engaged in coaching goalie camps and resumed her training routine. As she prepares for the upcoming season, she reflects on the growth of the PWHL, now expanded to include teams in San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton. Kristen is excited about the league’s progress and the continued support from fans as they aim for further expansion and success.