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As Purple Day for Epilepsy approaches on March 26, Canadians are being encouraged to learn more about the neurological condition and show their support by wearing purple.
Purple Day is recognized around the world as a unifying initiative to raise awareness about epilepsy and reduce stigma surrounding the condition. The day encourages people to wear purple to show solidarity with those affected and to spark conversations about epilepsy in communities, schools, and workplaces.
According to Epilepsy Canada, roughly one in 100 Canadians has experienced a seizure or lives with epilepsy, affecting an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people nationwide.
That was CEO Johanna McDougall, who explained that seizures can range from very small episodes to more intense events such as grand mal, or tonic-clonic, seizures — which involve a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions affecting the entire brain.
For McDougall, the issue is also deeply personal. Her daughter experienced seizures as a young child, something she says brought constant worry as a parent.
McDougall said it was always in the back of her mind, wondering when the next seizure might happen.
Stigma surrounding epilepsy is another challenge. McDougall says many individuals are hesitant to talk openly about their diagnosis because of misunderstandings about seizures.
Raising awareness is important, she added, because better understanding can reduce stigma, encourage people to share their experiences, and help ensure those living with epilepsy feel supported.
Advocates say initiatives like Purple Day help spark conversations and promote research aimed at improving treatments and quality of life. Epilepsy Canada is also marking its 60th anniversary this year, continuing its work funding Canadian epilepsy research.
(Jeremy Hall)