Purple Day

Purple Day, or Epilepsy Awareness Day is celebrated annually on March 26 to raise public understanding of this brain disorder and remove the fear and stigma surrounding it. With more than 3.5 million people diagnosed with epilepsy in the United States and more than 50 million worldwide, you probably know someone who is living with the daily challenges that epilepsy brings. The good news is that epilepsy is easily manageable if diagnosed and treated promptly, so getting information about epilepsy is important. What do you think about joining one of the grassroots campaigns to raise awareness in your community today!

History of Purple Day

March 26, 2008 was the first Purple Day celebration by Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia, Canada. Motivated by her own diagnosis and her struggles living with epilepsy, she recognizes how important it is for people to understand this common neurological disorder. She has created an avenue for people to learn, participate, and assist in educating the community about epilepsy and dispelling myths and fears surrounding the disease.

Epilepsy is caused by electrical disturbances in the brain that lead to various seizures. It can be a frightening situation for those who do not understand what is going on, which has led to many unnecessary assumptions and even laws about the disease and the ability of those living with it. If migraine, stroke and Alzheimer's disease are the leading of the most common neurological disorder, it is the fourth ones. Estimates suggest that one in every 26 Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives.

In 2009, Epilepsy Awareness Day was celebrated by the corporation between the Anita Kaufmann Foundation and the Nova Scotia Epilepsy Association, in order to pay much more attention for its purpose in the United States and worldwide. It is said that there are over 100,000 students, 95 workplaces and 116 politicians taking part in Purple Day every year.

Why Purple Day?

Epilepsy is a very common and well known disease all over the world. The disease is related to the nervous system. Epilepsy causes problems such as periodic seizures and disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous system. Seizures occur when there is abnormal activity in brain cells. It causes the body to twitch and act uncontrollably. A person loses almost all control of their body during seizures. Epilepsy causes constant seizures.

Seizures are accompanied by a variety of symptoms. The most common of these are convulsions or convulsions. Other symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, muscle spasms, Amnesia, anxiety, etc. The disease can be inherited or caused by accidents such as brain injury, substance abuse or immune system problems. Around 65 million people worldwide have epilepsy. In the United States alone, more than 3 million people have epilepsy, which is about 1.2% of the population.

Your doctor can diagnose epilepsy through a number of tests such as an EEG, CT scan, and MRI. Although epilepsy cannot be completely cured, seizures can be minimized by taking medication regularly. People are also asked to stay away from drugs and alcohol, which can cause complications later on.

Despite affecting such a large population, epilepsy is still beset by social stigma. In many cultures, epilepsy is seen as the result of past sins. Many people still refuse to seek treatment for epilepsy and try to use unprofessional and outdated cures to get rid of the disease. People with epilepsy are considered weak and incapable of living a normal life. However, that is not true because most people with epilepsy can lead a normal life.

Therefore, Purple Day aims to encourage people to improve the knowledge and remove the social stigma towards this disease. It helps improve the basic knowledge about the disease so that people with epilepsy can be courageous to request the help from other people or medical professionals to prevent the effects of the disease. It also urges people to be more empathetic and asks them not to look down on patients.

Why Purple Day is important

• It enhances understanding

Although more Americans live with epilepsy than those with autism spectrum disorders, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined, funding for epilepsy is only a fraction for the study of other conditions. Epilepsy Awareness Day gives this disease much more attention.

• It eliminates fear and stigma

Education has the power to eliminate fear and prejudice. People living with epilepsy, especially those in less developed countries, may experience stigma and discrimination, which can be more burdensome to navigate than the disease itself. Epilepsy Awareness Day contributes greatly to raise awareness of people around the world.

• We love purple!

The favorite color of almost people is purple. Some sources even say that purple enthusiasts are noble humanitarians and quick to help those in need – traits perfect for serving as ambassadors in education and support.

How to celebrate Purple Day

• Participate in a local or national event

There are increasingly cities with Epilepsy Awareness Day celebration, therefore, let check out something in your area and encourage friends and family to take part in together. The motto is 'Anyone with a brain can have seizures and anyone with a brain can help people with epilepsy. "So that means YOU can help today!

• Wearing purple

Today is the day to go wild with your favorite purple shirt, shoes or pants! Don't stop at the basics, you can support yourself with jewelry, hats, ties, or other fun accessories.

• Become a Purple Day Ambassador

If there is no celebration on Epilepsy Awareness Day near you, do not be hesitate to apply to take part in a Purple Day Ambassador by registing the Anita Kaufmann Foundation.