Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell has always looked up to her mother. Like many parents in the hockey world, Janet Campbell devoted countless hours in cold arenas, shuttling kids to and from endless practices, and enthusiastically supporting every play from the sidelines. Amid Kristen’s battles on the ice, Janet fought her own war against multiple sclerosis, a condition she was diagnosed with in 1999 when Kristen was just a toddler.
Reflecting on her mother’s resilience in the face of the disease, Kristen shared, “Watching her navigate the challenges that came with MS has been incredibly inspiring. Despite her own battles, she always prioritized her family and tirelessly attended every hockey practice, game, and tournament for me. She’s not just my mother but also my best friend and the epitome of a role model.”
Hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, Campbell is now shedding light on her family’s journey as part of A&W’s Burgers to Beat MS campaign. On August 20, A&W will donate $2 from each Teen Burger sold nationwide to MS Canada, supporting individuals living with the disease and advancing treatment research.
“My mom is one of the 90,000 Canadians coping with MS, so this cause holds a personal significance for me and many Canadians,” Campbell remarked. “I aim to stand in solidarity with all those battling MS, raising awareness, advocating for improved treatments, and ultimately striving for a cure.”
The impact of MS on Janet Campbell’s life has been profound, affecting her central nervous system and manifesting in various symptoms, from vision impairment to sensory changes and cognitive fluctuations. Most of her symptoms remain invisible, including headaches, leg stiffness, and sensitivity to temperature shifts.
Kristen Campbell highlighted her mother’s resilience in living a fulfilling life despite the challenges. She acknowledged, “My mom has been fortunate to lead a rich life without being hindered by visible symptoms. People are often surprised to learn about her MS because she doesn’t exhibit it outwardly. Every individual and family copes differently with the disease, and we consider ourselves fortunate not to witness her health deteriorate.”
Campbell attributes many of her own qualities, including a strong work ethic, to her mother. These attributes have propelled her to success in her hockey career, including winning gold at the 2022 Olympics and earning accolades as the top goaltender in the PWHL.
Following Vancouver’s playoff miss in May, Campbell took time off to recharge. She engaged in coaching, conducted goalie camps, and resumed her training regimen to prepare for the upcoming season. With the league expanding to include new teams in cities like San Jose, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Hamilton, Campbell anticipates an exciting and transformative season ahead.
As the PWHL evolves and grows, Campbell expressed her excitement for the league’s progress, from its humble beginnings to playing in NHL venues and attracting a strong fan base. She looks forward to witnessing the league’s continued expansion and success in the future.