World Purple Day is on March 26. We observe the day by caring for those with epilepsy. The neural condition in the brain causes it to act abnormally. It could result in seizures, unusual sensations and behavior, and sometimes loss of awareness. Epilepsy and related seizures are neurological conditions that can affect anyone. World Purple Day is so named because it is the color of a lavender flower, which is the flower used to symbolize epilepsy. The flower is associated with loneliness and isolation, traits that are linked with epilepsy too. Observe by spending time with people who have epilepsy.
History of World Purple Day
Cassidy Megan, a nine-year-old girl from Canada, started the concept of World Purple Day. She was motivated to create the day due to her struggle with epilepsy. She wished to help raise awareness for people suffering from epilepsy and to ensure that no one affected feels alone. She named her idea after the color of lavender flowers. Lavender is an internationally recognized flower for epilepsy.In 2009, the New York-based Anita Kaufmann and the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia joined forces to launch World Purple Day on the international front. They aimed to bring together organizations, schools, businesses, politicians, and celebrities under one umbrella for the fight against epilepsy. On March 26, 2006, over 100,000 students, 95 workplaces, and 116 politicians participated in World Purple Day. In March 2009, the Anita Kaufmann foundation launched the official U.S. Purple Day party. In March 2012, World Purple Day legally became a day for epilepsy awareness in Canada. In December 2015, electronic retailer Dick Smith arranged a major corporate partnership with Epilepsy Action Australia to support Purple Day in Australia with a $50,000 cash sponsorship in 2016. Later, the retail food group provided a $50,000 donation to match Smith’s previous promised sponsorship.Anita Kaufmann owns the U.S. trademark for World Purple Day. Supporters of the day are encouraged to wear purple-colored items of clothing. Lavender is the international flower to represent epilepsy and is also a color that symbolizes solitude. The goal of World Purple Day is to increase general public awareness, reduce the social stigma faced by many individuals with the condition, and empower individuals living with epilepsy to take action in their communities.
World Purple Day timeline
Records from Mesopotamia document epileptic seizures.
Sir Charles Locock starts using potassium bromide as a treatment for epilepsy.
Heinrich Biltz uses phenobarbital, an effective modern medicine, to treat epilepsy.
The concept of World Purple Day begins with Cassidy Megan.
World Purple Day FAQs
Are you born with epilepsy or does it develop?
Epilepsy can develop at any age to anyone. One in 26 people might develop epilepsy.
Can epilepsy go away?
It is possible, but the probability of seizures stopping altogether is less in adults.
What age group is most affected by epilepsy?
It can begin at any age, from birth to death. But for people above 65 years, the risk is very high.
How to Observe World Purple Day
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Wear Purple
Wear purple and show your support to the cause of World Purple Day. Try to make the entire day purple-themed.
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Share about epilepsy
Share about the dangerous sides of epilepsy. Try to understand people who have epilepsy and let them know that you are there to help in case needed.
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Volunteer with epilepsy treatment teams
Some N.G.Os. help people with epilepsy. Try to volunteer for them and help as many people as you can.
5 Facts About Epilepsy That You Should Know
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Most common neurological diseases
Epilepsy is a neurological disease with around 50 million people suffering from it worldwide.
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Higher in developing and under-developing countries
Developing and underdeveloped countries have 80% of cases reported there.
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Higher death rate
People with epilepsy have a three times higher chance of premature death.
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Lack of proper treatment
Three-quarters of people living with epilepsy do not get the right treatment.
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Hispanic people and epilepsy
People with Hispanic backgrounds have a higher risk of getting epilepsy.
Why World Purple Day is Important
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It can spread awareness
The day helps spread awareness about epilepsy. With developments in modern medicine, it is important that people know about epilepsy and get treatment for it as soon as possible.
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It brings back hope
Some people lose hope in the fight against epilepsy. This day can make them remember that some people care and that there is still hope.
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It’s a reminder to get treatment
People still believe in magic and spirits and diseases caused by spirits. Epilepsy used to be a disease that was believed to be caused by the moon and spirits. This day can spread light on such myths and make people opt for modern treatment options before it is too late.
World Purple Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 26 | Sunday |
| 2024 | March 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 26 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 26 | Friday |
