Blog

Go to almost any awareness event, and you’re likely to see someone wearing a purple wristband.  

These bands have become one of the most powerful ways to raise awareness, honor loved ones, and bring communities together around a cause.  

Purple wristbands represent a wide range of causes, including Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, domestic violence, epilepsy, and overdose awareness. Over time, the color has come to symbolize strength, healing, and hope for the tough issues that affect so many lives.  

In this post, we’re exploring why purple wristbands hold so much significance, which awareness months utilize them, and how organizations and individuals are using them to demonstrate support and spark conversation.  

Causes Connected to Purple Wristbands  

Purple awareness wristbands are used across dozens of awareness campaigns, each focused on a different issue but connected by the shared message of support, strength, and remembrance.  

Here are some of the most recognized causes linked to purple wristbands, and why the color holds meaning in each one:  

1) Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness  

Purple is the official color of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in September. The color honors the millions of families living with memory loss and long-term care challenges. You’ll often see them at walks, fundraisers, and public events meant to raise awareness and support for ongoing research.  

2) Epilepsy Awareness

Every year, March 26 is celebrated as Purple Day: a global event for epilepsy awareness. Purple wristbands are used to spark conversations, challenge stigma, and bring more visibility to a condition that affects more than 50 million people worldwide.  

3) Pancreatic Cancer Awareness  

During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November, supporters wear purple wristbands to remember loved ones and push for better detection and treatment. With survival rates still low, these bands have become a sign of hope and urgent need.  

4) Domestic Violence Awareness  

In October, survivors, families, and advocates wear purple wristbands to raise awareness about domestic violence. These bands symbolize strength, survival, and the right to live free from fear.  

5) Lupus Awareness  

May is Lupus Awareness Month. Since lupus is hard to diagnose and often misunderstood, purple wristbands are used to spread awareness and let people with lupus know they’re not alone, even when their symptoms are invisible.  

6) Overdose Awareness  

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day. Purple wristbands are worn at vigils and community events to honor those lost to overdose and to advocate for treatment, education, and support without shame.  

7) ADD/ADHD Awareness  

Purple is also used to support awareness around ADD and ADHD. These awareness wristbands help promote early intervention, challenge stigma, and support individuals, especially kids, who experience the world in a different way.  

How Organizations Use Purple Wristbands  

You’ll find purple wristbands just about everywhere, from big-name nonprofits to small-town community events. Because they’re simple, affordable, and easy to customize, these wristbands are a favorite tool for building support.  

Here’s how groups are using them in everyday ways:  

1) Fundraising  

Selling purple wristbands is one of the easiest ways to raise money for a cause. They’re low-cost, meaningful, and people feel good knowing their purchase helps fund research, outreach, or survivor support. Groups often sell them in bulk or bundle them with donation drives, registration kits, or thank-you gifts.  

2) Awareness Campaigns  

During awareness months, organizations hand out wristbands at health fairs, conferences, school assemblies, and more. People wear them to work, to the gym, to the grocery store—and every time someone notices it or asks about it, the message gets passed along.  

3) Memorials and Tribute Events  

Purple wristbands also help families and friends remember loved ones at walks, vigils, and other memorial events. For example, at an overdose awareness vigil or a pancreatic cancer fundraiser, attendees might wear bands with a name, a date, or a short phrase like “Forever in Our Hearts.”  

4) Hospitals  

A hospital purple wristband usually indicates that a patient has a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order. Essentially, this means the patient has chosen not to receive CPR or other life-saving interventions in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest.  

How to Make Purple Wristbands More Impactful  

If you’re planning an awareness event, fundraiser, or memorial, purple wristbands can carry your message long after the day is over. To get the most impact, it helps to make a few thoughtful choices up front.  

1) Use Simple, Strong Wording  

Keep your message short and easy to read. Words like Hope, Strength, End Domestic Violence, or You Are Not Alone can be powerful. You can also add the name of your group, a website, or a date if it helps people remember where the wristband came from. Make sure the text is clear and big enough to read from a distance.  

2) Give People Context  

Don’t just hand someone a wristband without saying what it means. Include a small card or flyer with it, or add a QR code that links to a website, video, or support resource. Pairing it with the right information helps turn that interest into understanding.  

3) Choose a Material That Fits the Moment  

The type of wristband you use depends on how long you want it to last. For most awareness campaigns, silicone wristbands are the best choice because they’re soft, waterproof, and can be worn for weeks or months. If you’re running a one-day event like a walk or vigil, purple Tyvek wristbands or vinyl wristbands are cheaper and still get the job done.  

4) Pick the Right Shade of Purple  

Not all purples are the same. Deep purple tends to feel serious and bolder. Lavender has a softer, more calming feel. Metallic purple adds a bit of shine and can stand out more in photos. Choose the shade that fits the tone of your event and the message you want to send.  

Final Thoughts  

Awareness months come and go, but the causes behind them are always with us. Purple wristbands help keep those conversations alive. They’re simple, affordable, and powerful, whether you’re honoring someone you love, raising money, or trying to bring attention to an issue that matters.  

Wristband Express makes it easy to create custom purple wristbands for any cause. Just pick your style, add your message, and we’ll take care of the rest: with fast, reliable shipping right to your door.  

Take action today. Design your custom purple wristbands now at Wristband Express and make your cause stand out.