Kingston City Hall awash in purple, as it will be on March 26, 2025, to mark Epilepsy Awareness Day — also known as Purple Day — as part of Epilepsy Awareness Month. Kingstonist file photo.
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, fostering community support, and advocating for those living with epilepsy. This year, Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario (ESEO) is leading the charge with a series of engaging events aimed at education, fundraising, and community involvement.
With over 5,500 individuals and their caregivers supported by ESEO in the region, these initiatives provide critical awareness and resources, ESEO said in a media release.
“Epilepsy is one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions, often shrouded in misinformation. Yet, it affects people from all walks of life—children, adults, and families who navigate daily challenges that go far beyond seizures. Our goal is to foster understanding, provide critical support, and ensure that no one feels alone in their journey. Through these events, we hope to start conversations, create inclusive spaces, and empower our community to support those impacted by epilepsy,” said Christina Lord, Executive Director of Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario.
Graphic via Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario on Facebook.
March 26th is Purple Day, the global day for epilepsy awareness. On this day, individuals and communities around the world wear purple to show support for those living with epilepsy and to help break the stigma surrounding the condition, ESEO explained, noting that Purple Day is a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their journey.
Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario encourages everyone to participate by wearing purple, sharing information, and starting conversations to foster understanding and support.
According to the release, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 Canadians, yet it remains widely misunderstood. More than 5,500 individuals in southeastern Ontario are living with epilepsy. They, along with their caregivers, often face high levels of physical, mental, and emotional health challenges and isolation, ESEO detailed.
The impact of epilepsy extends beyond seizures—many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and social exclusion due to stigma and misconceptions, according to the release. ESEO noted that seizures can vary greatly from person to person, making awareness and education critical in fostering a more inclusive community.
ESEO provides advocacy, education, and support services to ensure that individuals and families have the resources they need to navigate life with epilepsy while promoting greater public understanding and connection, according to the release.
ESEO detailed the following March Epilepsy Awareness Month Events:
Saturday, March 1 – ‘Step into Purple Campaign’ School Initiative – Purple Door Contest Begins across all district school boards in southeastern Ontario.
Saturday, March 1 – Storytime at Calvin Park Library: Kick off the month with a special Storytime at Calvin Park Library, designed to educate young minds about inclusivity and understanding with a family focus on epilepsy awareness!
Tuesday, March 4 – Pancake Tuesday Fundraiser at IHOP Kingston 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Enjoy a delicious short stack at IHOP Kingston, with $2 from every purchase supporting ESEO’s programs and services.
Friday, March 14 – Kingston Frontenacs Fundraiser: Cheer on the Kingston Frontenacs as they take on the Peterborough Petes! A portion of ticket proceeds will go towards programs and services at Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario.
Sunday, March 23 – Bowling for Epilepsy at Limestone Lanes (12 to 3 p.m.): Join ESEO for an afternoon of strikes and spares in support of epilepsy awareness and education. “Thank you, Limestone Lanes, for your generosity and support of the use of your space,” ESEO expressed.
And Coffee Way Donuts, Purple Donut Fundraiser Fridays – March 7, 14, 21, 28 and on Purple Day, Wednesday, March 26, in support of Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario and Epilepsy Awareness.
“Join us this March in making a difference for those living with epilepsy. Every ticket purchased, every pancake eaten, and every bowling pin knocked down brings us closer to a more informed and supportive community,” ESEO stated.
Learn more about Epilepsy South Eastern Ontario on their website.