Show Up. Team Up. Purple Up 4 Epilepsy
International Purple Day, celebrated on March 26, is a day for people from around the world to wear Purple and raise awareness about epilepsy. This year, Epilepsy Action Australia is calling on all Australians to Purple Up 4 Epilepsy.
2026 is our year to stand with the 1 in 26 people who will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime.
Here in Australia, it’s estimated that 266,000 people are living with epilepsy: our families, friends, colleagues, students, carers and community members whose experiences are too often invisible.
This is our year to make a difference.
This is our year to amplify voices, dismantle stigma, educate communities, and build understanding.
This is our year to turn awareness into action.
This year we will be Purpling Up to support:
Ember: Ember is almost five years old now, but she was just ten months old when she began experiencing seizures that caused her to lose important development skills. After numerous hospitalizations and treatments, Ember received a heart-breaking diagnosis of KCNT1 – an extremely rare condition with only 300 known cases worldwide.
Austy: Diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, Austy’s journey has been one filled with courage and resilience. At four years of age, he began the ketogenic diet which, combined with medication, has helped him to lead a more stable life. He still faces occasional absence seizures, but he hasn’t experienced a full tonic-clonic seizure in ten years.
Sasha: Now fifteen years old, Sasha has lived with epilepsy since she was four. She has endured countless seizures, major neurosurgery, setbacks, learning and sensory challenges, and years of rehabilitation. Despite this, she found her strength and her joy in dance – and has been selected to represent Australia in the All Abilities Dance Team at the 2026 World Cheerleading and Dance Championships in Orlando, Florida.
Charlie: Charlie experienced his first tonic-clonic seizure in October 2023. It was an incredibly traumatic time for his family as he was without oxygen for seven hours, and doctors were preparing to intubate him. After being transferred to Sydney Children’s Hospital, he made a remarkable recovery!
These stories remind us why awareness, education and support matter — and why Purple Up is so important.
Join us and show your support by raising awareness and funds for epilepsy this March.
Purple Up on International Purple Day (March 26) or any day in March by wearing purple, decorating your space, or hosting a purple‑themed event.
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