#LiveGibStrong: Why a Purple Pumpkin?
#Flashback Photos ~ 2014 ~ Why is Gibson's Pumpkin Purple?
This is a special #FlashbackFriday with Halloween right around the corner and folks busy going pumpkin picking and carving...don't forget to do one up in purple!
Why IS Gibson's Pumpkin Purple?
For K-9 Epilepsy Awareness
Each year, Gibson’s pumpkin was purple because he was an Epi-dog ~ a dog
with Canine Epilepsy. And his form of epilepsy was called idiopathic, meaning they
could never determine a specific cause for the onset of his seizures. And, purple is
the color of epilepsy awareness. Gibson was living proof that Epi-dogs CAN ~ and DO ~ live full, happy lives! For more info on Canine Epilepsy, please visit our #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Awareness Online Library page!
According to Epilepsy.com (home of Epilepsy Foundation® and Epilepsy
Therapy Project), the Purple Pumpkin Project is the brainchild of founder Ron
Lamontagne, whose youngest son was diagnosed with epilepsy at age four. “While
on a drive through Connecticut one Sunday morning with his family (Ron) was
brainstorming ideas on how to spread epilepsy awareness. The local pumpkin
patch provided the solution. Since kids would soon be carving and decorating
pumpkins, he thought why not make one purple and tell people about epilepsy
when asked, ‘Why is your pumpkin purple?’” So in September 2012, Ron launched
the Purple Pumpkin Project on Facebook to bring awareness to epilepsy on the eve of November 1st, which kicks off Epilepsy Awareness Month.
My
article on this and photos of Gibson were featured in the Autumn 2019
issue of AmericanPet Magazine! Click HERE to read the full story starting on page 16!
Here are a few creative ideas for your
Purple Pumpkin:
- Host an in-person (be safe!) or virtual Purple Pumpkin painting and carving party and share your pics!
- Donate to your fave K9 Epilepsy or human Epilepsy organization.
- Be sure to talk about K9 Epilepsy and human Epilepsy and refer to FACTS to share. (See our #LiveGibStrong Online Resource Library for info HERE, and Epilepsy.com info HERE for facts).
- Real pumpkins too messy or no place to display them? No problem! Use one of Epilepsy.com's pumpkin stencils to make your own paper pumpkin and display it in your window!
Here's our Siberian Husky pumpkin from the past!
You can download some FREE (p)awesome Siberian Husky stencils for carving your pumpkin thanks to Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue!
If you'd like a purple pumpkin like Gibson's, here's our Amazon affiliate link below.
*Affiliate Notice* If you click on the item below and purchase it through our link, we will be receive a small commission ~at no extra cost to you~. Thank you!
Have fun, and when someone asks,
"Why is your pumpkin purple?" reply,
"For Canine Epilepsy Awareness!"
Did you paint a purple pumpkin?
Share it with us on our FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews Facebook page!
Hi ~ the new blog design is Fabulous, and we especially LOVE your "all Sibes" header!
ReplyDeletePaws Up and Happy Bark-0-Ween.
Love the new look too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI knew why the pumpkin was purple. Well done.
Have a fabulous day and weekend. ♥
We sure knew why it was purple. Hey, I agree, everything sure looks nice!
ReplyDeleteHappy Bark-o-ween 💜 💜 💜
ReplyDeleteAs always, thank you for being a 'pawsome' advocate for all epi-warriors! Elsa and I will be rocking the purple in solidarity 💜💜💜
ReplyDelete