Purple Day For Epilepsy 2023: History, Significance, Theme, Facts; All You Need To Know

EVERY YEAR, March 26 is observed as the ‘Purple Day For Epilepsy’ across the world. It is a global event organised to raise awareness around the causes, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy as a life-threatening disorder. The day also stands to raise awareness and educate people about the fear, myths, and stigma around epilepsy.

Purple Day For Epilepsy 2023: History

Cassidy Megan, who struggled with epilepsy herself, came up with the concept of Purple Day in 2008. This global event aims to promote awareness about epilepsy and to reassure those who have seizures that they are not alone. In 2009, Cassidy Megan teamed up with The Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation to launch Purple Day worldwide. As the primary sponsors of the initiative, they collaborate with various organisations and individuals globally to raise epilepsy awareness. The combined efforts of Cassidy Megan, EAM, and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation have resulted in active participation from many organisations, schools, businesses, politicians, and celebrities worldwide.

Purple Day For Epilepsy 2023: Significance

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterised by repeated seizures. People across the world who are diagnosed with this disorder must be treated equally. Social stigma and myths still persist in the fast pace developing society. This special day’s inclusive approach, can make a difference in the lives of people with epilepsy and promote a more understanding and compassionate society.

Purple Day For Epilepsy 2023: Theme

This 2023 year's International Epilepsy Day's theme, "Stigma", calls to be perceptive of the prejudice and discrimination faced by epilepsy patients.

Purple Day For Epilepsy 2023: Facts Around Epilepsy

1. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.

2. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population.

3. Epilepsy accounts for a significant proportion of the world’s disease burden, affecting around 50 million people worldwide.

4. Approximately 2.2 million Americans live with epilepsy.

5. Epilepsy is not contagious. It is also not a psychological disorder.