Annual Epilepsy Walk & Purple Picnic

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, families, friends and individuals from across Fairfield County will gather at Stamford Cove Island Park for the 9th annual Epilepsy Walk & Purple Picnic, for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. The Walk kicks off at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Purple Picnic (boxed lunches provided) in the park — purple is the advocacy color for epilepsy. The Walk is also dog-friendly, so attendees are encouraged to bring their friendly, furry family members as well. There will be activities for kids, inspiring speakers and a boxed lunch provided. Advance registration is available at epilepsyct.com.

For Greenwich residents and mother and daughter Danielle and Gabrielle “Gabi” Blaine, co-chairs of the event, the morning is about more than just a walk. It’s about finding a shared community that helped carry their family through uncertainty, taking action and giving hope and support to others walking a similar path. The Blaines, and others who have been touched by epilepsy, encourage anyone interested in supporting the effort to raise awareness, foster community, and support the thousands of individuals and families affected by epilepsy across the state, to join them Saturday, May 16, at the Walk.

Danielle Blaine noted that the annual walk serves an important purpose beyond fundraising. “A diagnosis of epilepsy is often kept private for many reasons, which can sometimes leave some feeling isolated,” Danielle shared. ”This walk brings together individuals and families from Fairfield County, allowing them to meet others with a similar diagnosis, connect, and share in a day of community, understanding, and hope. That sense of community is life-changing. No one should face epilepsy alone.”