Purple Day, which falls on 26 March every year, might not be one of the most well-known days in the calendar, but it represents one of the most common neurological disorders.
Epilepsy effects roughly 50 million people across the world today, but it is believed that around the cause is unknown for around 50% of the cases.
Purple Day is a relatively new occasion which came about to try and raise awareness of epilepsy which, despite its prevalence, still isn’t talked about enough as it should be in many parts of the world.
The annual event encourages people to wear purple and host their own events to promote awareness and help support research into the disorder. So, to mark Purple Day, here’s everything you need to know about why and how it started, as well as some facts about epilepsy and how to support those with the condition.
What is Purple Day?
Purple Day was created by a nine-year-old Canadian girl called Cassidy Megan in 2008. Cassidy was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was seven, and she started the day with a view to globally raising awareness of the condition, and to break down whatever taboos there may be concerning it.
The first Purple Day event was held with the aid of the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia in 2008, and on that day, people were encouraged to show their support by wearing purple.
Now, Purple Day is marked in over 100 countries all across the world, with people holding fundraising events and donning the fabulous royal colour. Purple was chosen to be the symbol of the day because of the relaxing effect that lavender has on the central nervous system.
It’s not too late to show your support for Purple Day either – you can still donate to the Epilepsy Society, and host fundraising events all year round.
Some facts about epilepsy…
According to purpleday.org, it’s thought that 1 in 100 people all over the world have epilepsy, and in 50% of these cases, the cause of a person’s epilepsy is not known.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that effects the central nervous system, and results in recurrent seizures. Seizures can take multiple forms, with signs of a seizure including but not limited to, odd sensations, convulsions, a blank stare, uncontrollable movements, muscle spasms, and altered awareness.
Even though epilepsy most commonly shows itself in childhood or in old age, a person can become epileptic at any age – which makes it even more important that both funds and awareness are raised to aid the condition.