Purple Day: the world's epilepsy awareness day (March 26)
Every year on March 26, people around the world wear purple for epilepsy. Purple Day is a grassroots awareness day with one simple goal: getting people to talk about epilepsy openly and without fear.
Where Purple Day comes from
Purple Day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a girl from Nova Scotia, Canada, who was living with epilepsy herself. She wanted people to understand the condition better — and she wanted others living with epilepsy to know they are not alone. What began as one school's initiative has grown into an awareness day observed around the world.
The colour is no accident: lavender — a shade of purple — is the international colour of epilepsy awareness. Wearing purple on March 26 is a quiet way of saying: I see you, and this condition is nothing to hide.
Why awareness matters
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide — according to the WHO, about 50 million people live with it. Yet myths and stigma persist, and many people still do not know what a seizure can look like, or what to do when one happens in front of them.
That is why awareness counts twice. It chips away at stigma, so people with epilepsy can speak openly at school and at work. And it spreads practical first-aid knowledge that makes everyday places safer.
Five simple ways to take part
Small gestures, real impact — here is how to join in.
Wear purple
A shirt, a ribbon, painted nails: visible purple starts conversations — and conversation is the whole point.
Learn seizure first aid and share it
Stay calm, keep the person safe from injury, put nothing in their mouth, and time the seizure. A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes is an emergency — call an ambulance. Pass these basics on to family and colleagues.
Ask, don't assume
If a colleague or classmate lives with epilepsy, ask how it actually affects them. Every epilepsy is different — and being asked is far better than being whispered about.
Support an epilepsy organisation
National and local epilepsy organisations fund research, run helplines and support families. A donation or a small fundraiser on Purple Day goes a long way.
Start one conversation
You do not need an event or a budget: telling one person what you have learned about epilepsy is already awareness work.
Awareness also has a quiet, year-round side: good records. For people living with epilepsy, a clear seizure diary makes every conversation — with a doctor, a school, an employer — easier and more concrete. If you want to start one, our free seizure diary template is a simple place to begin.