Purple Day – Raise Epilepsy Awareness

Join the epilepsy community for Purple Day® on March 26, a global initiative to raise epilepsy awareness and support the millions of people living with epilepsy worldwide. Approximately 65 million people are living with epilepsy across the world, and 1 in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime. On Purple Day, we are all invited to support epilepsy awareness by wearing purple, participating in events, and sharing our stories.

What Is Purple Day?

Also called World Epilepsy Day™, Purple Day was created in 2008 by Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, inspired by her own experience living with epilepsy at just 9 years old. Originally diagnosed with focal impaired awareness seizures at age 7, Cassidy’s doctor believed she had been experiencing seizures since birth. Often feeling isolated because of her seizures, Cassidy envisioned a day when everyone with epilepsy could feel connected and understood. Purple Day officially launched internationally in 2009 thanks to global sponsors The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and The Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes (formerly the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia).  

Why Purple?

Cassidy Megan is credited with starting the "purple wave” to bring visibility to epilepsy, originating from the color lavender being associated with epilepsy advocacy.  

“There are so many different shades of purple, just like there are so many different types of epilepsy and seizures,” said Cassidy. “Purple can represent every unique person, experience, and perspective of the epilepsy community.”  

On March 26, people from around the globe are asked to wear purple, decorate their homes and workspaces, and share Purple Day graphics on social media.  

Together, we can turn awareness into action and strengthen the support for all those affected by epilepsy. This year, through our partnership with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation, we hope to elevate the voices of those affected by epilepsy and promote a deeper understanding of the challenges they face to reduce stigma and ensure that no one faces epilepsy alone.  

Ways To Get Involved  

1. Show Your Purple 

Wear purple all week and decorate your home, workplace, or school in purple.

2. Share on Social Media 

Use #PurpleDay and #EpilepsyAwareness on X, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media sites to make your voice heard. Share photos, post about Purple Day, and tag us! Download social media graphics for Purple Day.  

3. Share Your Story  

Share your story with us on our community blog, eJourney!  Your epilepsy story is powerful and can give people hope, empowerment, and safety. Make a difference by raising awareness for epilepsy.  

4. Support the Cause

Donate, volunteer, or advocate to make a difference for people living with epilepsy. Support our mission to help improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection.  

5. Take a Seizure First Aid Training  

Become Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certified (On-Demand). Be prepared and confident in your ability to help in the event of a seizure. Access our free training and receive a 2-year certification upon completion of the course.  

By wearing purple, sharing stories, and supporting each other, we can amplify the voices of those living with epilepsy. Every conversation we start, post we share, and person we educate brings us one step closer to breaking the stigma and creating a world where no one faces epilepsy alone.   

Purple Day® is owned by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and is used under license from The Anita Kaufmann Foundation.