Presenting Sponsor

Fifth Annual Purple Day®
For Epilepsy Awareness
Around The World Expo

Saturday, March 23, 2024
at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida

As the global sponsor, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation has teamed up with The Epilepsy Association of Central Florida again, to create and develop a comprehensive event for the epilepsy community. This event is specifically designed for patients and caregivers living with epilepsy as a shared opportunity to meet, engage, and be inspired to promote epilepsy awareness in their own community. In addition, patients and caregivers can explore the expo and learn more about services and supports available to them.

Purple Day® is the largest grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. It was created in 2008, by then nine-year-old Cassidy Megan. Motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy, she wanted to get people talking about the condition to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they are not alone. While it is tradionationally celebrated on March 26th , this year we will hold our annual event on March 23, 2024 to allow families from all over to partcipate!

Planning is still in the works, but you can expect:

  • Comprehensive Epilepsy Expo
    (Epilepsy education, resources, and advocacy materials)
  • Meet and Greet with Purple Day® founder Cassidy Megan
  • Fun Activities including our PURPLE COSTUME CONTEST!
  • Giveaway’s
  • Character Photo Opportunities.
  • Fun Group Photo
  • Refreshments will be served

Discounted Disney Tickets

To purchase specially priced Walt Disney World® Meeting/Convention Theme Park tickets, CLICK HERE or call 407-566-5600 and provide group code GMR. Tickets are valid 7 days before, during, and 7 days after the meeting dates. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid ticket on the same day are required. To make park reservations, you will need to sign-in to an existing Disney® Account or create a new one and link each ticket. Park reservations are subject to availability – please check the Park Availability Calendar. For details on making a park reservation, please visit Disney Park Pass Experience Updates. Whether it’s your first visit or your 100th, we recommend reviewing the Walt Disney World® Resort Experience Updates.

Discounted Hotel Rooms

You can book a discounted hotel at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Disney Springs™ Area online or by calling our reservations department at 1-800-340-2494, and referencing the code: EAE. Must be booked by February 20, 2024 to receive discounted price.

Agenda

8:00 am

Attendee Check-In Starts

8:10 am – 9:40 am

Breakfast Buffet: Fuel your day with a delectable Disney breakfast buffet, featuring a scrumptious spread of morning delights to kickstart your Purple Day® adventure.

9:45 am – 12:00pm

Main Program

  • Welcome
    Debra Josephs, The Anita Kaufmann Foundation
    David Manchon, The Epilepsy Association of Central Florida
  • Julie Hutchison, President, Co-Founder and Chelsea's Mother
    The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation: Monitors and Programs Offered
  • CURE Epilepsy: Brandon Laughlin, Sr. Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach (MSE):
    The Evolving, Yet Essential Role of those Living with Epilepsy in Research
  • Mary Duffy, Executive Director of the Danny Did Foundation
    Protecting People with Epilepsy
  • Keynote Session
    The Care Giver series with Greg Grunberg presents: The Importance of Self-Care
  • Brigid Baffico, Advocate of Epilepsy Education
    Taking Epilepsy to School
  • Christina SanInocencio, PhD, CPH, CNP
    The Rare Epilepsies: Not So Rare
  • Mariah Mayhugh
    performing her original song, “Broken Glass”
  • McKinley Sommer
    The Purple Cupcake Project
  • Purple Costume Contest
    Unleash your creativity and join the Purple Costume Contest! Whether you're donning a lavender cape or rocking grape-hued accessories, showcase your purple pride for a chance to win a CASH prize.

12:00pm – 12:30pm

Meet Greg Grunberg for Photos

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Expo Hall Open

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Purple Playroom Open

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Meet, Greet, and Photo with Mickey & Minnie: Make your day even more magical by meeting the iconic duo, Mickey & Minnie. Capture unforgettable moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.

2:45pm

Showing of the short film: “Under The Lights”

Breakout sessions

12:15pm

Epidialogues: Conversations about Rare Epilepsy: Chris Hauser, PhD, Medical Science Liaison, Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Meghan, caregiver to a child living with a rare type of epilepsy.

Sponsored by

1:15pm

Intro to VNS Therapy: Ronald Davis, MD, Pediatrix Neurology and Epilepsy of Florida

Sponsored by

1:45pm

Living With Epilepsy Panel

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