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.