March is epilepsy awareness month and Purple Day is coming up once again on March 26. This year, Epilepsy Action Australia, the largest provider of services for people living with epilepsy in Australia, is advocating for greater recognition that epilepsy does not look the same for everyone, meaning that the 250,000 Australians living with the condition experience it differently.
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People may be surprised to know epilepsy occurs on a spectrum, like autism. There are actually about 40 different types of epilepsy syndromes and seizures, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Seizures range from a momentary pause and staring into space to full body convulsions. In some cases epilepsy is genetic, but it can also be acquired by things such as head injury, infection or stroke, and it can occur at any point in a person's life.
While epilepsy is more common than Parkinson's, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined, it is widely misunderstood and can significantly impact a person's life. That is why Purple Day is so important - to increase community awareness and raise vital funds to improve services. This Purple Day, we are aiming to raise $250,000 - one dollar for every person diagnosed with epilepsy in Australia.
We are incredibly excited that - for the very first time - the Sydney Opera House will light up purple for Epilepsy Action Australia on March 26 to promote epilepsy awareness!
On behalf of all Australians living with epilepsy, thank you in advance for supporting Epilepsy Action Australia this Purple Day. To find out how to get involved, please visit www.epilepsy.org.au. Your support helps to ensure people living with epilepsy can lead optimal lives.
Carol Ireland
Chief Executive Officer
Epilepsy Action Australia
