Over 50 million people worldwide, and 3.4 million in the US, live with epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes a disruption of electrical brain signals and can result in seizures. In the US, 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, and 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Purple is used to raise awareness for epilepsy. This month, we wore purple and colored our logo purple in an effort to bring attention to epilepsy and its impact on our community.

While epilepsy can be managed with medication and lifestyle modifications, at least 1/3 of people with this condition continue to have seizures even with treatment. Raising awareness is the best way to promote scientific research that may someday lead to a cure.

As awareness increases, we hope that an understanding of how to help someone with epilepsy will also become widespread knowledge. You can take action by enrolling in a seizure first-aid class here. Or, if you are with someone who is having a seizure, you can follow these steps to keep them safe.

Click the links to read our personal accounts of loved ones living with epilepsy.

• Brian’s Story
• Lainie’s Story
• Fred’s Story