March is Epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada.

Our goal during this month is to raise awareness, challenge myths, and help dismantle the stigma of epilepsy.

Throughout March we’ll be raising awareness about epilepsy. Advocating for being your own health advocate and advocating for your child’s healthcare; raising awareness about epilepsy to eliminate stigma; advocating for more dollars for research to find a cure.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and look out for a number of our new awareness campaigns, advocate spotlights, ideas on how to take action and personal stories of the brave people who are breaking down the stigma of epilepsy.

Ways to take action this month

• Use your voice: use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are at your disposal to bring awareness.

  Follow our Instagram account this month as we share facts, dispel myths and highlight some amazing advocates in our community.

• Break down the stigma by speaking up and sharing your personal story.

  Read some incredible personal journeys here. Get in touch to share your story lisa@epilepsy.ca

• Advocate for more federal dollars for research to find a cure for epilepsy.

  Learn how to reach out to your elected official from our Epilepsy Canada Influencer, Marika Lopez here.

• Start your own fundraiser.

  Download our Fundraising Guide here for some ideas of how you can help us raise dollars to forward our mission to find a cure.

• Donate!

  Epilepsy Canada is the only national charity with a mandate to find a cure. Donate here.

Breaking down stigma:

The Faces of Epilepsy

Our Faces of Epilepsy is an awareness campaign that started back in March 2021 as part of Epilepsy Awareness Month, we had such success and so many people wanting to share their stories that we decided to continue with it as an ongoing campaign. The goal of the campaign is to feature the brave people who are breaking down the stigma of epilepsy by sharing their stories publicly.

360,000 people have epilepsy in Canada, but many don’t tell anyone their health status due to public misconceptions about the condition. Our hope is to help change this!

We truly believe that more people talking about epilepsy, with more voices lifted together can create greater change. And that greater public knowledge and understanding about epilepsy will lead to more research dollars aimed at finding a cure.

If you’d like to participate and share YOUR own story reach out to us at lisa@epilepsy.ca

Purple Day

Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. Last year, people in more than 85 countries on all continents participated in Purple Day! Canada is the only country in the world who officially recognizes March 26th as Purple Day through the Purple Day Act implemented on June 28, 2012.

Show your support and wear purple on Tuesday, March 26th!

Don’t forget to tag us in your purple photos @epilepsycanada

Resources:

Epilepsy Basics

As many in the epilepsy community will tell you, managing epilepsy and seizures involves a lot of learning and, at times, it can be quite complex. Our Strategic Partner, CURE Epilepsy has created a resource that will provide people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and their loved ones with the information they need in an accessible way. Learn about epilepsy basics, available treatment options, important COVID-19 information, and much more. Read more here.

SUDEP

SUDEP (Suden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) is now recognized as the leading cause of mortality associated with epilepsy, excluding status epilepticus and underlying etiologies. Despite the importance of the problem and the implications for intervention, SUDEP had not received widespread professional attention in the United States prior to the mid-2000s. Awareness and interest in SUDEP has increased and so has the demand for information about cutting-edge research, effective patient-provider communication, and opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration. Epilepsy Canada is a proud member of Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME). Visit PAMEs website to learn more and for resources on SUDEP.

Professionals & Researchers

Professionals from various disciplines who are involved in epilepsy are invited to join the Canadian League Against Epilepsy. Currently, their membership includes physicians, scientists, nurses, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, students and other professionals. We welcome interdisciplinary members to diversify our knowledge and provide platforms whereby healthcare professionals and researchers can network. Learn more about the CLAE here.

Support Groups & Social Services in Canada

The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance (CEA) is a Canada-wide network of grassroots organizations dedicated to the promotion of independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families, through support services, information, advocacy, and public awareness. Read more about the support and services The CEA provides here.