Purple Pumpkin Project (formerly Cookies & Cupid) is our FREE Pediatric Epilepsy Education Forum and Community Building event hosted in October that offers creative activities for kids and teens, and a panel and Q&A with pediatric epilepsy professionals for parents and caregivers.
The Purple Pumpkin Project is a free Epilepsy Education Forum and Family Event hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. This special day brings families together for learning, creativity, and community celebration.
The inspiration behind the Purple Pumpkin Project began with a simple idea: as kids prepared to carve and decorate pumpkins, one family asked, why not make a pumpkin purple? When people asked, “Why is your pumpkin purple?”, it opened the door to conversations about epilepsy, awareness, and inclusion.
Today, children and teens paint pumpkins purple and take part in hands-on creative activities, while parents and caregivers attend educational sessions focused on building confidence in their child.
Topics include cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges; co-occurring disorders such as autism and ADHD; individualized interventions; and strategies to support growth and independence. Families leave with practical tools to help their child succeed at home, in school, and in everyday life—while feeling connected to a community that truly understands.
Event Agenda and Timeline
8:30 am Check-in Opens, Light Breakfast Snacks and Beverages with Children
8:55 am Children/Teens to Craft Areas
9:00 am Welcome from Rick Burritt, President & CEO
9:05 am Panel – Part One, featuring:
        TBA
9:55 am Break, and a chance to visit our Sponsor Marketplace
10:15 am Panel – Part Two, includes Q & A with speakers
11:00 am Parent Networking
11:20 am Reunite with Children/Teens
There is a unique feeling of isolation for a parent who receives an epilepsy diagnosis for their child or teenager. In this vulnerable moment, what makes the difference between despair and hope is support and understanding.
This is why the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides free programs and services like the Purple Pumpkin Project to clients and their families who are in search of solace, community and guidance. This event aims to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to help their children succeed in school while managing epilepsy.
Please support our mission with a donation today!
With your help, The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County improves the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection.Â
Our wide array of programs and services serve people living with epilepsy, families, friends and caregivers.
All of our programs and services are offered at no-cost.
The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the San Diego community since 1954.
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