PURPLE DAY – 26 MARCH
Purple Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing support for people living with epilepsy. Founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Purple Day concept was born out of Cassidy’s own struggles with epilepsy, her motivation to get people talking about the condition, and her desire to let those impacted by seizures know that they are not alone. Cassidy named the day ‘Purple Day’ after the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, lavender.
Since that time, Purple Day has grown into a much loved and supported national awareness day with thousands of people across Australia rallying their private, academic, and corporate communities to raise much needed awareness and funds to provide services for more than 250,000 Australians currently living with epilepsy.
This year, Epilepsy Action Australia is part of the Make March Purple movement in support of the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy.
Make March Purple is a national campaign supported by epilepsy organisations across Australia. It ensures epilepsy is in the spotlight for longer than one day alone, encouraging Australians to have conversations throughout March to break the stigma often associated with the condition. Every 33 minutes, someone’s life is turned upside down by epilepsy. This week alone, 305 Australians will be diagnosed with epilepsy.
For many, epilepsy can deeply affect the personal lives, employment, education, and wellbeing of the person and their family. Make March Purple for Epilepsy is an effort to raise awareness and much-needed funds. Will you help us turn things around for Epilepsy?
Whether it be through joining a community fundraiser, hosting your own event, creating an online fundraiser, purchasing merchandise, or encouraging your school or community organisation to get involved, every little bit counts.
