Since 2009, countries worldwide have worn purple on March 26 in honor of Purple Day, to raise awareness for those living with epilepsy. The day was founded as a grassroots movement after Cassidy Megan, a girl living with epilepsy, partnered with The Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes and The Anita Kaufmann Foundation.
Since its creation, Purple Day has grown to new heights, including having more than 85 countries recognized Purple Day in 2022. According to the official Purple Day website, Purple Day became an officially recognized holiday after implementing the Purple Day Act in June 2012.
According to the World Health Organization, “Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide. It is characterized by brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part or the entire body and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness.”
4 Paws is proud to support those with epilepsy not only on Purple Day but every day as we continue to serve children and veterans with disabilities by placing life-changing service dogs. 4 Paws seizure alert service dogs can be crucial for those living with the uncertainty of epilepsy through physiological scent changes in their human companion.
You can learn more about Purple Day and its various initiatives at purpledayeveryday.org