Paint the Town Purple on Purple Day, 26 March
Purple Day is a grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On 26 March people from around the
globe are asked to wear purple and spread the word about epilepsy.
Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, nine year old Cassidy Megan of Novia Scotia created the idea of Purple Day
for epilepsy in 2008. Cassidy’s school principle chose 26 March as the date for the first Purple Day for Epilepsy held
at Cassidy’s school. Now Purple Day for Epilepsy is celebrated in dozens of countries globally on every continent except
Antarctica.
Epilepsy New Zealand is proud to have the official role of fundraising, selling merchandise and promoting Purple Day
throughout New Zealand. Some City Councils have climbed on board to support their citizens lighting up their landmarks
throughout the country in purple. Those people who have registered as heroes on our website are busy undertaking a
variety of events from school purple mufti days, coin trails, displays to increase awareness of epilepsy and many
retailers such as Office Max, Brebner Print, Boyd Motorcycles, Kakahu Taonga Aotearoa are distributing our ribbons from
counter top displays.
Show your support of epilepsy and dress in purple on Saturday 26 March.
Some Facts about Epilepsy:
• Epilepsy is a common neurological condition, estimated to affect over 50 million people worldwide, ranking
fourth to migraine, stroke and Alzheimers disease in the prevalence of neurological disorders. Epilepsy affects more
people than autism, amyotrophic lateral scleroslis, curable palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease combined.
• 10% of New Zealanders will have a seizure during their lifetime, while 1-2% will diagnosed with epilepsy.
• With proper diagnosis and treatment, 70% of New Zealanders with epilepsy will live healthy lives.
• If you are one of the 30% of New Zealanders with epilepsy whose seizures are not controlled Epilepsy Association
of NZ is here to help with education, support and information.
• Anyone at any age can be diagnosed with epilepsy.
• The majority of people first diagnosed with epilepsy are school age or over 55.
• There are many types of epilepsy and associated seizures. The public is often unable to recognize common seizure
types, or how to respond with appropriate first aid.
• Stigma, discrimination and misconceptions associated with epilepsy are sometimes worse than the condition
itself.
• For 60 years Epilepsy Association of New Zealand has been providing vital support, services and information to
people with epilepsy and their families as well as training and providing resources for health, disability and education
workers.
• Epilepsy Association has 12 offices located throughout the country employing 15 professionally trained educators
to deliver local support, education and awareness. Simply ring 0800 epilepsy (374 537) to contact your local educator or
refer www.epilepsy.org.nz.
ENDS