Purple Day

Purple Day is an American holiday created to raise public awareness of epilepsy. It is also recognized in many countries around the world. Epilepsy is commonly referred to as a neurological disease. It is characterized by a person’s predisposition to seizures, which can be provoked by stress, flickering images, various sounds, etc. The holiday is annually on March 26.

History

The story of Purple Day is related to Canadian Cassidy Megan, who suffered from epilepsy. The girl was 9 years old, but she never gave up and fought tenaciously against the disease. To support others with the disease, she proposed the creation of Purple Day in 2008. The girl’s idea was actively supported by EAM, a Canadian organization dedicated to finding effective treatments and helping patients in need. The Anita Kaufmann Foundation also supported the celebration. So this day has become not only an American but also an international holiday.

Epilepsy therapy should be carried out by doctors with a subspecialty – epileptologists. Often they are not available in clinics, and patients are sent to psychotherapists and neurologists who do not know the ins and outs of this disease. People with epilepsy often have comorbidities such as psychosis, nervous disorders, depression, migraine, etc.

Interesting facts

• The mortality rate from an epileptic seizure is 10%. The main cause is physical damage from falls. People also often bite their tongue when having a seizure, which can cause them to choke on blood. Urgent help is needed to at least keep the person from getting hurt.
• Today’s Purple Day celebration takes place in more than 100 countries around the world. It is customary to organize various charity events and educational activities. Purple lighting is used, and people wear purple clothes.
• The impossibility of giving birth to a healthy child from an epileptic mother is a myth. If the disease is properly treated with medication, there is a 95% chance that a healthy baby will be born.

How to celebrate

Congratulate the doctors you know who treat epilepsy patients. Learn more about the causes and nature of this disease and what methods are used to treat it.

Tell us about Purple Day on social media. Ask other users if they or someone they know has epilepsy. How do they deal with the disease?

When is Purple Day in 2025?

Purple Day (Epilepsy Awareness) is observed on March 26 each year.

Observations