PURPLE DAY – 26 MARCH
Purple Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing support for people living with epilepsy. Founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Purple Day concept was born out of Cassidy’s own struggles with epilepsy, her motivation to get people talking about the condition, and her desire to let those impacted by seizures know that they are not alone. Cassidy named the day ‘Purple Day’ after the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, lavender.
Since that time, Purple Day has grown into a much loved and supported national awareness day with thousands of people across Australia rallying their private, academic, and corporate communities to raise much needed awareness and funds to provide services for more than 250,000 Australians currently living with epilepsy.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT!
Epilepsy Action Australia’s 2023 Purple Day campaign is “Dare to be different”.
Of course, as we do every year, we will raise awareness of epilepsy and work to break down barriers that may still exist in community participation for those whose lives have been impacted by epilepsy. But this year we also want to change the narrative a little…….
These past few years have been unprecedented for the world, living with uncertainty and sometimes isolation caused by the pandemic and other unpredictable natural and man-made disasters. But even before this, we know that for many people living with epilepsy, their daily reality has been living with uncertainty, and unpredictability.
This Purple Day we want to acknowledge and celebrate the strength and courage that people with epilepsy demonstrate as they rise to the challenges of everyday life and strive to overcome barriers of inclusion and participation. Whilst we understand the negative effects that a diagnosis of epilepsy may carry, we recognise the powerful human qualities that it can foster – such as resilience, endurance, adaptability, and perseverance. Some people with epilepsy have told us that they feel their epilepsy has in some way made them stronger and better able to cope with the challenges facing us all over recent years!
So, this Purple Day we are daring to embrace and celebrate bravery, courage, resilience, and strength shown by many people with epilepsy. There is always something to be gained from difficult times, even when it’s not your own battle, so we are also asking the whole community to dare to be different in support of people with epilepsy.
We also want to have some fun with the concept of ‘daring to be different’……..so Epilepsy Action Australia dares you to join us and do Purple Day differently!
Whether it be through joining a community fundraiser, hosting your own event, purchasing merchandise, or encouraging your school or community organisation to get involved, every little bit counts.
Click the relevant button below to find how you can get involved:
If you have any questions or need advice on the suitability of an activity, online fundraiser or event, please contact us on 1300 37 45 37, [email protected] or by filling in the form below.
We appreciate the time, energy and resources that are generously donated by our many fundraising champions each year. This Purple Day, we dare you to make a real difference!
