Purple Day: A Day to Raise Epilepsy Awareness
To help celebrate Purple Day we held a photo contest. Below are the winning photos. These photos incorporated the colour purple in fun, creative, inspiring, and beautiful ways. Congratulations to all the winners!
What is Purple Day?
Purple Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. It is held annually on March 26th.
Why is Purple Day important?
Purple Day reminds everyone that people living with epilepsy need understanding and acceptance. Epilepsy is far more common that most people realize. In Canada approximately 300,000 people have epilepsy and worldwide approximately 65 million people have epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is often misunderstood and people with epilepsy can face social stigma and discrimination. Spreading the word about epilepsy and Purple Day will help dispel myths about the condition and remind people affected by seizures that they are not alone.
How did Purple Day start?
Cassidy Megan, a child from Nova Scotia, created the idea of Purple Day in 2008. She was motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. Her goal was to get people talking about epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone.
Since then Purple Day has grown into an international epilepsy awareness day. On March 26th people around the world are encouraged to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness.
In Canada, the federal Parliament has passed the Purple Day Act and it has received Royal Assent. This means that March 26th is now officially recognized by law as Purple Day for epilepsy awareness in Canada.
How can you promote Purple Day?
To promote this day people are encouraged to wear purple and host events and activities in support of epilepsy awareness. You can also distribute materials about Purple Day and epilepsy in your community, set up a display, information booth or presentation, have a purple-themed potluck or bake sale, or hold a purple clothing contest at a school or workplace and so much more! Note: March is also epilepsy awareness month in Canada – so you don’t have to limit your activities to just Purple Day!
In celebration of Epilepsy Awareness Month and Purple Day, the BC Epilepsy Society is working with people from communities throughout the province to help organize events and fundraisers.
If you would like to host or participate in a Purple Day or Epilepsy Awareness Month event, we can help you! The BC Epilepsy Society has free epilepsy awareness and educational materials available. This includes information sheets, posters, ribbons, stickers, seizure first aid cards, bracelets, and pens. To order any of these and for more information please contact our office at 604-875-6704 or at [email protected]