Celebrate Purple Day 2026 with EFMN All Month Long!
Purple Day®, recognized globally on March 26, is all about raising epilepsy awareness and supporting individuals whose lives are touched by epilepsy and seizures.
In preparation for Purple Day, we are taking meaningful action together all month long!
We’re sharing simple ways you can rise in purple and help raise epilepsy awareness all month long. Follow along throughout March as we build momentum leading into Purple Day.
Build Awareness with the Power of Purple
Purple Day® began in 2008 with Cassidy Megan, a young woman from Nova Scotia who wanted people living with epilepsy to feel seen, understood, and less alone.
After experiencing stigma and isolation, she encouraged people around the world to wear purple and talk openly about epilepsy. Her idea spread quickly.
By 2009, Purple Day became an internationally recognized awareness initiative with support from partners including The Anita Kaufmann Foundation and the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia.
Today, it stands as one of the most visible and unifying movements for epilepsy awareness worldwide.
Purple has become a powerful symbol within the epilepsy community. It represents hope, visibility, and collective strength. Cassidy chose purple as a simple, recognizable way for people to show solidarity, and today, when someone wears purple, it sends a clear message to those in the epilepsy community:
You’re supported. You’re seen. You’re not alone.
One simple and meaningful way to raise awareness? Wear purple!
Show your Purple Pride in your Community
Communities are invited to take part in Purple Day® by lighting a building, bridge, monument, sign, or public space purple, whether for the evening, overnight, or any portion of the day on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in support of those impacted by
epilepsy.
Use this flyer to spread the word in your community!
If you choose to light up for Purple Day®, share your photos with us! Email photos or a link to marketing@efmn.org, or tag Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota on social media so we can help spread awareness and celebrate communities joining the effort.
Share your Story
Purple Day began with a single story, Cassidy Megan’s, and has grown into a movement shaped by thousands more. Stories help people understand what epilepsy looks like in day‑to‑day life and remind people they’re not alone.
This month, we’re uplifting the voices of those living with epilepsy, caring for loved ones, and supporting the community in countless ways.
Books by Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota Community Members
Howling to Be Heard: An Epileptic’s Journey by Barbara Babs Larson
Racing Uphill: Confronting a Life with Epilepsy by Stacia Kalinoski
We hope these stories inspire you to share your own. Whether you express yourself through words, art, poetry, music, photos, or another form of creativity, your story matters.
If you feel inspired, share your story on social media and tag EFMN or use #PurpleDay26.
Give
Whether through a monthly gift or donating your gently used clothing and household items, your generosity strengthens programs and support systems across Minnesota for those impacted by epilepsy.
Do you want to make your EFMN donation go farther? Become a sustaining donor today to help us unlock $13,000 in matching funds
EFMN’s Professional Advisory Board has agreed to match 100% of every new sustaining gift throughout the entire year – up to $8,000. For example, if you sign up today to contribute $10/month as a sustaining donor in 2026, each monthly donation will be matched all year – doubling your impact!
In addition, if we reach our goal of adding 20 new sustaining donors by April 30, we will unlock an additional $5,000 match.
“As a Board member and sustaining donor, I give my time because I want to help people make sense of this journey. Offer things that will help, and help people know that they are not alone.”
– Aura Wharton-Beck, EFMN Board Member and sustaining donor
Become a Sustaining Donor Today!
When you make a monthly gift, you can strengthen the impact of your support.
Monthly gifts at any amount provide steady support that strengthens EFMN’s financial health. They allow for stronger short‑ and long‑term planning, reduce administrative costs, and create meaningful opportunities to deepen our connection with donors. This reliable funding ensures we can continue to be a go‑to resource for Minnesotans impacted by epilepsy.
EFMN will automatically charge your credit or debit card or withdraw from your bank account each month in the amount you choose to give. If you want to increase, decrease, or cancel your monthly gift, you can simply contact us at any time at giving@efmn.org or 651-287-2330.
If you are 70 ½ years or older, you can speak with your financial advisor about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution every month to EFMN.
Donate your Gently Used Clothing & Household Items
You can also support Purple Day through EFMN’s Donated Goods Program, which accepts gently used clothing and small household items to help fund epilepsy education, advocacy, and support services across Minnesota.
Your donated items do more than declutter — they directly support the mission. In fact, donations of used clothing and household goods provide a significant portion of the funding that makes EFMN’s programs possible. See list of accepted items.
Lead a local effort that supports Minnesotans with epilepsy and gives back to your community
Make a difference in your neighborhood or organization by partnering with EFMN to host a clothing fundraiser. We’ll help you organize a drive, and your group will earn funds for every cubic foot of clothing, shoes, or linens collected.
