It’s Purple Day on March 26th

We’re already well into March, 2009.  And I bet you didn’t know that March is Epilepsy Awareness Month? Well, it is.  And March 26th has been designated as Purple Day – a National Empowerment Day to raise epilepsy awareness.

So why am I telling you about it? Well, after bringing Lindsay Yeo, on as a member of the PN Team, I’ve learned a lot about epilepsy.  Heck, I even blogged about it here.  And when Lindsay asked me if I’d help spread the word right here on the PN site, I told her I’d be happy to oblige.

Cassidy Megan Started Purple Day

Here’s what I learned about Purple Day from Lindsay:

“Cassidy Megan, a grade three student who lives with epilepsy, started Purple Day in 2008.

Cassidy’s hope was that by raising epilepsy awareness, those living with epilepsy (like her) woule be able to disclose their epilepsy to friends, family, potential employers, etc.  And that the stigma associated with the condition will be reduced.

As a national spokesperson for children with epilepsy, Cassidy wanted all children with epilepsy, and everyone impacted by seizures, to know that they are not alone.”

Here are some additional epilepsy facts:

• Approximately 50 million people around the world live with epilepsy
• Epilepsy is NOT contagious…NOT a disease…NOT a psychological disorder
• Currently there is not a “cure” for epilepsy
• Many people living with epilepsy continue to face barriers due to lack of awareness

And here’s a special note from Lindsay.

“On March 26th I will be celebrating Purple Day, and I encourage others to do so as well!

Wear something purple and share the fact that you are supporting epilepsy with other people you know.

In Toronto, I plan on attending the CN Tower ceremony at Metro Hall that evening and will watch our country’s tallest structure glow purple in support of epilepsy awareness.”

For more information on Purple Day events taking place around the world, be sure and check out www.purpleday.org