Estimates show that approximately 0.6% of children have epilepsy, which translates to 6 in 1000. When adults are included in the statistics, the numbers grow to 1.2% of the total population who have epilepsy. Now is a great time to get involved and show some encouragement to those whose lives are impacted by this medical condition!
History of Epilepsy Awareness Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada began as a partnership between the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance along with various other agencies and sponsors spread across the country. The purpose of this event is to work toward helping the public learn more while reducing the stigma that can be associated with epilepsy.
Along with Epilepsy Awareness Month, the people of Canada also celebrate Purple Day on March 26, a day which was established through the passing of a federal private member’s bill that was supported by all parties in Parliament in 2012. And while this day is certainly important, the issues of this medical condition deserve the attention of the entire month of March!
How to Celebrate Epilepsy Awareness Month
Show some support for those who are affected by epilepsy by joining in on some of these activities and plans in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month:
Learn More About Epilepsy
Because the purpose around Epilepsy Awareness Month revolves around raising awareness about the condition, this is the perfect time to gain a bit more information and become more educated regarding epilepsy. Consider some of these facts to get started with:
Epilepsy can be caused by a number of different medical conditions including brain injury, brain tumor, stroke, infection and more.
Epilepsy is not contagious and cannot be passed to another person.
Epilepsy causes seizures that may look different depending on the person, possibly including staring spells, shaking, lack of awareness and more.
Celebrate with Purple
Epilepsy support is identified with the color purple. In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, it’s easy to show some care by including the color purple in various activities. Wear a purple ribbon, don a purple shirt, or even hang a purple flag. It’s a fun way to show support and raise awareness so that conversations will naturally flow about epilepsy.
In many cities across Canada, various monuments are lit in the color purple to celebrate this special month, including important places such as Niagara Falls, Signal Hill BC Place, the Peace Bridge and many others.
Join the “I Am 1 in 100” Campaign
Beginning in March 2020, this campaign, along with the hashtag #IAM1IN100, was established with the idea of celebrating the fact that people who have epilepsy are extremely diverse. With the posts that start with “I have epilepsy and…” the hope is that people who have this condition are encouraged to share a wide range of other things about themselves, including hobbies, skills, and interests, showing that life is about so much more than just having epilepsy! Celebrate Epilepsy Awareness Month by making or reading the various posts.
National Epilepsy Awareness Month in the United States is celebrated in November.
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