Purple Day
Purple Day is held each year on March 26th and is a day dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. On March 26, people around the world support epilepsy by wearing purple. Please help spread the word to increase awareness for the cause.
What is Purple Day?
Purple Day is held each year on March 26th and is a day dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. It was founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia.
In 2009, Cassidy Megan and the Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes joined forces with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation to launch Purple Day internationally. As the global sponsors of Purple Day, Cassidy Megan, The Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation are committed to partnering with individuals and organizations around the world to promote epilepsy awareness.
The combined efforts of Cassidy Megan, EAM and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation have led to the involvement of numerous organizations, schools, businesses, politicians and celebrities around the world.
Why Purple Day for Epilepsy is Important
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting 300,000 people in Canada and 50 million people worldwide (more than multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined). Despite its prevalence, epilepsy is often misunderstood and people with epilepsy can face social stigma and discrimination.
Purple Day helps epilepsy organizations in Canada and around the world increase awareness, reduce stigma and empower individuals living with epilepsy to take action in their communities. Furthermore, Purple Day reminds everyone that people living with epilepsy need understanding and acceptance, and deserve comprehensive care and access to innovative treatment options to effectively manage their disorder.
Spreading the word about epilepsy will help dispel myths and remind people affected by seizure disorders that they are not alone.
On March 26, people around the world support epilepsy by wearing purple. Please help spread the word to increase the awareness for the cause!
Purple Day Highlights
Celebrate the impact we’ve made together. Explore past Purple Day moments and community support.
PURPLE DAY 2025
In 2025, instead of hosting our annual Purple Day Walk, ESEBC proudly presented Epilepsy in Full Colour at the Kariton Art Gallery. This special community exhibit showcased artwork and creative expression from individuals impacted by epilepsy across British Columbia.
The exhibit highlighted lived experiences, resilience, storytelling, and the strength of community connection. Through art, we raised awareness, reduced stigma, and created space for important conversations about epilepsy.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared the exhibit, and supported Purple Day in a new and meaningful way this year.
PURPLE DAY 2024
A heartfelt thank you to all who supported our Purple Day Walk this year, whether in person or in spirit. Your generosity and kindness have made a world of difference in raising epilepsy awareness. Together, we stand stronger.
#PurpleDayWalk #EpilepsyAwareness #ESEBC
PURPLE DAY 2023
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who participated in ESEBC’s 5th Annual Walk for Epilepsy Awareness. Your presence and support were truly inspiring, and it’s thanks to people like you that we’re able to continue our mission of raising awareness about epilepsy and reducing the stigma that surrounds this condition.
By coming together as a community, we can make a real difference in the lives of those living with epilepsy, their families, friends, caregivers and loved ones. As we move forward, let’s continue to work together to create a world where epilepsy is understood and accepted by all. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing education, we can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people living with epilepsy!
PURPLE DAY 2022
Photo highlights from Purple Day 2022:
PURPLE DAY 2021
Purple Day was a great success! 30 places in British Columbia turned their lights purple! Thankful for the organizations that helped promote #PurpleDay and create awareness for #Epilepsy #PurpleDayESEBC
A huge thank you to Mayor Popove of @chilliwackcity for wearing Purple on #PurpleDay and all of our supporters for creating awareness for epilepsy! #epilepsypositivity #epilepsystrong #community #support
