Assembly Resolution No. 1023

BY: M. of A. Walsh

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 26, 2024, as Purple Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health
issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2024, as Purple Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Purple
Day; and

WHEREAS, Epilepsy Awareness Day has become known as Purple Day as
people are encouraged to wear the color to increase awareness of
Epilepsy; and

WHEREAS, Celebrated annually on March 26th, Epilepsy Awareness Day,
or Purple Day, was created to increase the public's understanding of
this brain disorder and to eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it;
and

WHEREAS, With over 3.5 million people diagnosed with epilepsy in the
United States and over 50 million worldwide, it is likely you know
someone living with the day-to-day challenges epilepsy brings; the good
news is epilepsy can be easily managed if diagnosed and treated
correctly, so awareness and research are important; and

WHEREAS, Cassidy Megan from Nova Scotia, Canada, founded Epilepsy
Awareness Day with the first event held on March 26, 2008; she decided
to use the color purple because lavender is recognized as the
international flower of epilepsy; and

WHEREAS, Motivated by her own diagnosis and struggles of living with
epilepsy, Megan realized the importance of everyone understanding this
common neurological disorder; she then created an avenue for people to
learn, engage, and support the public's education of epilepsy as well as
dispel the myths and fears surrounding it; and

WHEREAS, Epilepsy is caused by electrical disturbances in the brain
resulting in seizures of various types; it can be a scary condition to
people who do not understand what is going on, which has led to many
unnecessary assumptions and even laws about the disease and the
capabilities of those who live with it; and

WHEREAS, Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder
after migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer's; estimates show that one in 26
Americans will develop epilepsy at some point in their life; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation partnered with the
Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia to launch Purple Day, bringing more
collective attention and structured campaigns to the purpose of the day

in the United States and internationally; more than 100,000 students, 95
workplaces, and 116 politicians participated in Purple Day events that
same year; and

WHEREAS, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation trademarked Purple Day in
2011, and it has continued to expand its reach since; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 26, 2024, as Purple
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.