The third annual Putting for Purple fundraiser to support Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) will kick off at The Green Thumb in Westborough on September 25, 9 am to 3 pm.

The Harmon family initiated the fundraiser to support the FACES cause and their daughter Emily, who was diagnosed with refractory absence epilepsy in 2013. All of the proceeds from Putting for Purple are donated to FACES.

Emily’s older brother, sophomore Josh Harmon, helps his family run the event to spread awareness and and fundraise for his nine-year-old sister’s disorder.

“Seeing what she had to go through, with medications and a hard diet, inspired us [to begin Putting for Purple],” Harmon said. “It took a toll on my family and her.”

Emily is doing much better now, and has not had any seizures for a year and a half.

“I hope people understand what families who go through this struggle with,” Harmon said. “This is a good cause and the doctors at FACES do a really great job. The leader of FACES, Dr. Devinsky, worked with Emily, and the nurses there were very helpful.”

The Harmons have raised almost $10,000 at their first two fundraisers; this year, their new goal is $15,000. The event offers mini golf, a dunk tank, and face painting, and t-shirts and hats will also be sold.

“I really think we get a lot of support from everyone we know, and everyone who’s heard of Emily and what we’ve gone through for the past couple years,” Harmon said. “I want to thank everyone who comes and everyone who volunteers for this important cause.”
Registration for Putting for Purple is $10; go to www.puttingforpurple.com to sign up and learn more about Emily and FACES.