The circus ring was the setting chosen by ApoiE Epilepsia and the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) for an action with the aim of demystifying epilepsy. Using play as a communication channel between circus artists, doctors and an audience made up of parents, family and friends of people with epilepsy, the event, held this Tuesday, 22nd, marked the opening of activities related to Purple Day 2022 in Natal , which will end on the 26th with a virtual lecture with experts in the field who work locally and nationally. 

The opening of the show was under the responsibility of the Clown TxioGuga, the character of dentist Gustavo Henrique da Silva (@gustavo.henrisilva), who works in the treatment of children and adolescents with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism, for example. “We need to show society that epilepsy, and disabilities in general, should not prevent people who live with these conditions from being respected and living in the best possible way. This action in the circus shows that it is necessary to break stigmas, prejudices and provide information to make children, young people and adults increasingly aware and active in disseminating correct information about epilepsy. It was an honor to participate in this playful and meaningful moment”, said Gustavo. 

ISD's neuropediatric medical preceptor, Celina Reis, participated in the action with TxioGuga and highlighted the importance of explaining to society that epilepsy is a chronic disease, with accessible treatment and that affects people of all ages, ethnicities and social classes. Even so, the disease is still marginalized. For her, the circus show had an educational role, in addition to entertainment. “Society comes looking for leisure, fun and is surprised by important information. She will assimilate more, as she is in a pleasurable moment, and will spread more. We know that life's questions need to be addressed at any time. This is the importance of the moment of leisure, of the playful moment, for us to talk a little and remember about the importance of knowing the issues of epilepsy”, highlighted Celina Reis.

In the audience, children, teenagers and adults, with or without epilepsy, shared the magic of the circus. With each act, the excitement increased and the interaction became closer between the resident clowns, Bisteca and Bochechinha, dancers and other artists who shared the platform with children and adult spectators. The highlight of the show occurred during the performance of illusionist Horus, who explored magic tricks to capture everyone's attention. “It was beautiful to see the delight of each child in each act, in each scene”, commented Luciana Monte, member of ApoiE Epilepsia, the institution that represents Purple Day in Brazil. “We hope that each one becomes a multiplier of the information that was passed on”, added Andréa Hart, also from ApoiE. 

The work of the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) was highlighted by Lusia Saraiva, mother of Flor, aged 12, who has drug-resistant epilepsy, that is, it cannot be controlled even with a combination of medications. “I want to thank the Santos Dumont Institute for what it does here in our State for people who have epilepsy. Today, the ISD has a refractory epilepsy clinic with a multidisciplinary team, prepared and providing services entirely through the SUS for the entire population of Natal and the 7th Health Region (Macaíba, Parnamirim, Extremoz and São Gonçalo do Amarante)”, highlighted Lusia Saraiva, who also works with ApoiE Epilepsia. 

What is Purple Day

Popularly known as Purple Day, World Epilepsy Awareness Day has already spread worldwide. Those who suffer from the disease face constant challenges, but on one day of the year (03/26) a “task force” takes place to elucidate the main aspects of epilepsy and show how patients can have a routine with a better quality of life.

Motivated by her own experiences with epilepsy, Cassidy Megan, just nine years old at the time, created Purple Day with the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia (Canada) in 2008. Her goal was to clarify the myths surrounding the condition. illness and share the feeling of isolation that comes with people who suffer from prejudice. Therefore, Cassidy chose the color purple because it is the same as lavender, a plant whose flower is often associated with loneliness.

In 2009, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation and the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia strategized and secured global sponsors to launch Purple Day internationally.

Purple Day schedule in Natal

Purple Day in Campo 

Day: 03/23

Time: 8pm 

Location: América Futebol Clube enters the Arena das Dunas field with a Purple Day banner 

Purple Day holds lectures with experts aimed at healthcare professionals

Day: 03/24

Time: 7pm 

Location: Vivianny Lopes Clinic Auditorium – Rua Professor Antônio Campos, 1840 Lagoa Nova

Epilepsy: Body and Mind

Day: 03/26

Time: 3pm

Location: Clínica Vivianny Lopes Green – Av. Rui Barbosa, 1125 Lagoa Nova

Purple Day Brazil 2022

Day: 03/26

Hours: 9am to 12pm

Virtual event

This year, “Purple Day® Brasil 2022 – With you every day” will be online and 100% free. Great personalities, specialist doctors, health professionals, such as the neurosurgeon and medical preceptor at ISD, Hougelle Simplício, among others, will be brought together. 

Registrations: www.purpleday.apoieepilepsia.com.br