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The Purple Day Gala, our signature fundraiser, providing the core of our financial resources to improve the lives of persons living with epilepsy, their families and their communities, is a perfect blend of community and cause. Our annual event presents an opportunity to network with more than 300 leaders in the Corporate, Healthcare, Volunteer and Philanthropic Communities while enjoying exciting entertainment and a curated tasting journey of savory and sweet creations, each bite a miniature masterpiece, crafted for a stylish soirée.
2025 continued to be a year of growth and new beginnings for us at EAM. Over the last year EAM has continued to grow with increased online support groups, including Knowledge is Power and the only ALF (Accelerated Long-term Forgetting) Support group in Canada, while introducing new programs like Hobscotch and our development of a Caregivers support program. We steadily connect, support, and educate people with epilepsy around the Maritimes. Like so many others, we continue to offer programming both virtually and in person. We hosted monthly support group meetings, education sessions at schools and within our communities and continued to offer patient navigation to individuals throughout the Maritime provinces. As we grow across the Maritimes, our programs are becoming more meaningful to our community. We continue to offer formal training for our Seizure First Aid and Epilepsy program that will train volunteers to lead our program in more areas the Maritimes. We offer the PACES program which helps build skills for self-management and resilience for people living with epilepsy. We are delighted to reconnect in person with all of you and look forward to gathering to celebrate the strength and optimism of people living with epilepsy and their families at the 2026 Purple Day Gala.
Cassidy Megan, a member of the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes, founded Purple Day in 2008 at
age 8. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, Cassidy’s goal is to get people talking about
epilepsy in an effort to dispel myths, reduce stigma and let those living with epilepsy know that
they are not alone. Purple Day is celebrated on March 26th each year, on every continent and in over
70 countries. In 2009 Cassidy Megan, The Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes and the New York
based Anita Kaufmann Foundation joined forces to launch Purple Day internationally. As the global
sponsors of Purple Day, both organizations and Cassidy are committed to partnering with individuals
and organizations around the world to promote epilepsy awareness. The combined efforts of Cassidy
Megan, AKF and EAM have lead to the involvement of numerous organizations, schools, businesses,
politicians and celebrities around the world. On Purple Day, people around the world are invited to
wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. On June 28, 2012, the Canadian
Government passed the Purple Day Act, making March 26th officially Purple Day in Canada.
Every day, 42 people are newly diagnosed with epilepsy in Canada. Currently, there is no cure. It is
thought that at least 0.6% of the Canadian population is affected; 60% are children and the elderly.
In Nova Scotia alone, there are roughly 15,000 people suffering from epilepsy. This is probably an
understatement due to stigma and discrimination associated with having epilepsy. One of the core
missions of the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes is to perform education and outreach support
to improve the lives of Maritimers with epilepsy by educating schools, employers, first responders
and caregivers about the disorder. The majority of our funding for these activities comes from
fundraising initiatives.
For many years, the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes has been recognizing outstanding volunteers who have gone the extra mile in supporting epilepsy awareness in the region. The Cassidy Megan Award is presented annually at the Purple Day Gala in March to recognize outstanding commitment to raising epilepsy awareness. Individuals or organizations can nominate a worthy individual or individuals can nominate themselves for the award.
"Purple Day is a chance for the world to come together and show those living with epilepsy know that they are not alone. Supporting the Purple Day Gala and EAM is a chance for you to make a difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy and help make the world a safer and kinder place"
~ Cassidy Megan, Founder of Purple Day
Thank you to each one of our sponsors for making these events happen.
If you have any questions you can reach us with the contact information below
The Westin Nova Scotian
1181 Hollis St,
Halifax, NS B3H 2P6
If you are booking a room at the Westin Nova Scotian, ask for the Purple Day Gala with the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia block of rooms to get a discounted rate.
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