What started as a simple wish for a pair of purple cowboy boots has grown into a national collaboration supporting epilepsy awareness across Canada and beyond.
Cassidy Megan, founder of Purple Day, announced her partnership with Alberta Boot Company on Sunday, Aug 10. The company will be designing two custom pairs of cowboy boots. One pair is for Megan herself, while the other will be either auctioned off or turned into a line, depending on demand. Proceeds will go toward epilepsy awareness initiatives.
Purple Day, recognized annually on March 26 in more than 100 countries, was created by Megan in 2008. At the time, she was just eight years old and living with a new epilepsy diagnosis. She wanted to create a day for people like her to feel safe, supported and understood.
“My mum had been learning more, and one day people from the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes came to talk to my class. When I saw my classmates asking questions and really listening, I felt safe enough to tell them about my condition.”
Inspired by a community run that raised awareness for another condition, Megan asked why there wasn’t a day for epilepsy. Lavender is the official colour for epilepsy awareness, but, as she put it, “I couldn’t pronounce it at the time — so I decided to call it Purple Day.”
The first Purple Day event took place at her school on March 26, 2008. Since then, the day has grown into a global movement supported by government bodies, schools, work places and health organizations.
This year, Megan attended a Purple Day event in Calgary as honorary chairperson. While visiting the city, she set out on a personal mission: to find a pair of purple cowboy boots.
“I wanted boots that weren’t just stylish, but supportive,” she said. “Because of my health conditions, I need footwear that offers stability. Everyone pointed me to Alberta Boot Company.”
On the day she visited the store, the company’s CEO happened to be there. When Megan shared her story, a new idea was born: a limited-edition pair of Purple Day-themed cowboy boots.
“I asked how much it would cost to make purple boots, and they immediately wanted to help,” Megan said. “We talked about a special design, and they suggested we make a second pair to auction off, with proceeds going toward epilepsy awareness.”
Megan’s custom boots are currently in the design stage. The boots will feature two shades of purple, with one type of leather that creases over time to resemble lightning bolts — a symbolic nod to seizures, which are often described as electrical storms in the brain.
“A thunderstorm is a powerful metaphor for epilepsy,” said Megan. “To see that represented in the boots makes them even more meaningful.”
The auctioned pair began production this month following the Calgary Stampede which wrapped up in mid-July. Proceeds will go to an organization supporting epilepsy research or individuals with epilepsy. “We have had to keep this a secret, so it feels great talking about this for the first time,” Megan told The Coast.
The purple boots will not only serve as a fashion statement, but also a conversation starter that will help Megan spread awareness.
“I started Purple Day to let people with epilepsy know they aren’t alone,” said Megan. “And I want people to learn what to do — and what not to do — if they see someone having a seizure. There are so many different types, and understanding that can save lives.”
Megan is also looking to involve more local communities, especially in Halifax, where Purple Day began.
“We’re planning something local too, maybe even another trail in the fall,” she said. “If you’re a Haligonian business that wants to get involved, reach out. We want this to be a community-led effort.”
Megan’s message is clear: epilepsy matters — and no one should face it alone.
This article appears in Aug 1-31, 2025.