PURPLE DAY PAVES THE WAY FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS

Lavender is the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, and on March 26, Australians are encouraged to get behind Purple Day, an initiative that raises awareness about epilepsy.

Purple Day is celebrated globally and aims to raise awareness about what it’s like to live with epilepsy, while raising funds for important epilepsy services, programs and research projects.

You can host your own fundraising event, get your school involved via a free dress day or sausage sizzle, buy merchandise or make a donation online.

Around 250,000 Australians are currently diagnosed with epilepsy, and approximately 3.5 per cent of the Australian population will experience this neurological disorder at some point in their lifetime.

On a global scale, more than 65 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it the world’s most common serious brain disorder; however, despite these statistics, epilepsy remains shrouded in mystery and misconceptions for much of the community.

Carol Ireland, CEO of Epilepsy Action Australia, said every year on Purple Day, they work to increase awareness about the impact on individuals and families affected by the condition.

“The more friends, family members, colleagues and acquaintances know what to do if someone has a seizure, the more
confident and secure people with epilepsy will feel carrying on with their day-to-day lives,” she said.

“This year our focus is on highlighting the potentially life-saving benefits of seizure first aid.”

To help people understand the simple steps to take when someone has a seizure, Epilepsy Action has developed a series of animated videos for both adults and children.

For more information, visit epilepsy.org.au.