An ‘Epileptic Warrior Princess’ – Tamara Simeunovic: Becoming the Voice of the People with Disability Around the World to Improve Lives

Living with epilepsy is one of the most challenging tasks, reveals Tamara Simeunovic. Recognized as the most iconic woman transforming the future, she shares, “I am 39, and I have had epilepsy since I was two, and I was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder when I was 32, as well as Generalised Anxiety Disorder and heart arrhythmia.”

According to her, living with epilepsy is more than managing seizures. It’s a daily battle of resilience, courage, and hope. A passionate storyteller with a love for nature, Tamara decided to speak up about how unfairly disabled people are treated and write her life story of living with epilepsy to help raise awareness and understanding for everyone, whilst helping to inspire and help not only those with epilepsy, but also families, partners, carers, work coaches, and employers.

Going Beyond the Usual

Tamara wishes to make sure the government is more understanding and makes social venues like theatres and cinemas put up more signs about movies and musicals with photosensitive lighting.

She demands that mental health services, hospitals, and pharmacies must understand the unusual side effects of medications not listed. Her autobiography, ‘Epileptic Warrior Princess,’ goes beyond the usual discussions about epilepsy. In it, she delves deep into her own journey and the hidden experiences that affect many people today. She says, “I decided to write this book because, throughout my life, I have been misunderstood, bullied, dismissed from workplaces, and not given proper chances to show my potential.”

Sharing more about the book, Tamara says Epileptic Warrior Princess is not just a story, it’s a beacon of strength and understanding for anyone touched by epilepsy. Through deeply personal experiences and practical advice, this book offers hope, guidance, and a way forward.
From navigating treatments to breaking the stigma, Epileptic Warrior Princess sheds light on the real-life challenges of epilepsy. It empowers patients, educates caregivers, and guides medical professionals in building a more supportive world.

After facing so many struggles and restrictions because of seizures and being constantly asked to prove them despite letters from a neurologist, Tamara decided to stand up and speak out and talk about her disability, hoping it could help people around the world and improve lives.

From Caterpillar to Butterfly: The Nature of Transformation

Tamara views transformation as a deeply personal evolution that starts with a simple seed of belief. She describes it as the journey of a caterpillar that enters the isolation of a cocoon, working through the darkness until it is ready to emerge as a butterfly. To her, this growth is not just about personal success but about taking that newfound confidence and using it to lift others, too. She believes that transformation happens when we stop letting fear dictate our choices and instead take pride in the hard work it takes to reach our goals.

She has learned that true improvement comes from looking back at the patterns that did not work in the past. By studying those lessons, she ensures she does not repeat the same mistakes. For Tamara, leadership in 2026 means walking a path where gratitude and confidence lead the way, allowing her to spread her wings and inspire anyone who feels stuck in their own cocoon of doubt. “Transformation is about believing in yourself to achieve whatever you wish, despite the obstacles. It is like a caterpillar developing in a cocoon until you have worked hard enough to turn into a butterfly and spread your wings with confidence.”

The Decision to Stop Being Invisible

A major turning point in Tamara’s life came after years of professional heartbreak. Despite having impressive qualifications in science lecturing, proofreading, and veterinary work, she found herself constantly dismissed by employers. To them, she was seen only as a medical burden. The moment that changed everything was being told she would never progress and losing a job, specifically because she had a seizure at work. Instead of letting that defeat her, Tamara decided that she had finally had enough.

That day, she stopped waiting for someone else to give her a chance and decided to create her own. She began writing her life story to show the world the struggles people with epilepsy face and, more importantly, how to overcome them. This decision shifted her role from a job seeker to a thought leader. She chose to turn her pain into a book that serves as a guide for others to find hope even when a situation feels completely hopeless.

Steering Her Own Ship Through the Storm

Tamara is a firm believer that while others can help you along the way, no one can walk your path for you. She anchors her leadership in the idea that every individual is the creator of their own destiny. For a long time, she lived in financial poverty and relied on welfare, but she refused to let those circumstances define her potential. She realized that transformation begins the moment you stop allowing other people’s low opinions to keep you from success.

“Only you can steer and drive your own ship. Always allow your voice to be heard, even if others do not like or appreciate it. You are the creator of your own destiny.” She also had to unlearn the habit of being too open with everyone she met. She discovered the hard way that not everyone is a friend or has the capacity to understand the complexities of living with epilepsy. This led her to develop a more disciplined approach to her work, focusing on better time management and daily tasks to stay productive. By overcoming her fear of public speaking and learning to manage her emotions, she has grown into a leader who speaks with both heart and strategic clarity.

Tamara continues to navigate the challenges of her health with her head held high. Every page she writes, and every talk she gives, is a way of reclaiming her power. She is no longer waiting for the world to change; she is the one changing it, one story at a time.

Leading with Warmth and Strategic Action

For Tamara, the heart of leadership is a delicate balance of passion and patience. She believes that driving change should never lead to anger or arrogance. Instead, she remains grounded by focusing on the real people she serves. She knows exactly what it feels like to be taken advantage of, and she has promised herself that she will never treat others that way. Her method is simple but powerful: she coaches others to build their own resilience and self-esteem.

When she hears someone mention a problem, like waiting too long for vital medication at the pharmacy, she does not just offer sympathy. She takes action. She writes letters to her local Member of Parliament and pushes doctors’ offices for answers. If the first attempt fails, she escalates the issue until she sees a result. This hands-on approach shows that her leadership is not just about words; it is about getting things done for the community.

Facing the Storms of Rejection and Betrayal

Tamara’s journey has been marked by deep personal and professional challenges that would have broken many others. Beyond the constant physical toll of seizures and medical appointments, she has faced the sting of rejection in nearly every area of her life. She has dealt with heartbreaking breakups where a partner who was also her carer walked away when she needed him the most. She even faced a dishonest publisher who tried to take her ideas for granted.

These inner battles did not silence her. In fact, they made her voice louder. She has taken a stand against what she calls institutional bullying, especially regarding how the government treats disabled people. By speaking up about breaches of privacy and human rights, she has turned her personal pain into a global fight for mental health awareness. She writes her books so that others who feel alone in their struggles can find someone they relate to. “I have taken a stand and never lost my voice. By writing for a worldwide audience about living with epilepsy, I hope to fight for a better understanding of mental health and human rights.”

The Chess Game of Life: Fear as the Only Rival

When Tamara has to make a big decision, she views life as a game of Chess where everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. She believes the greatest opponent anyone faces is the fear inside their own mind. To align her vision with empathy, she follows a simple rule: she speaks to others exactly how she wants to be spoken to. This means being kind and empathetic, but also honest and direct.

“The only thing stopping you is fear in your own mind. Do not fear what you have not faced. Life is a game of Chess, and you must fight your own mind to achieve, helping not only yourself, but others too.”

Inspiration from the Rock Bottom

Tamara finds great inspiration in the story of J.K. Rowling. She feels a deep connection to the famous author’s path, having also navigated the difficulties of living on social benefits and reaching ‘rock bottom’ before finding success through writing. This connection reminds her that a person’s current financial status does not limit the impact their words can have on the world.

Her mother’s wisdom also stays with her every day. Her mother used to tell her that no one lasts forever, so she should do things she will not regret. This advice, along with the techniques she learned from counselors to boost her self-esteem and overcome her fear of public speaking, has changed her path. She has learned how to manage difficult communication and keep moving forward, even when the road is steep.

Finding Peace in the Simple and the Creative

Tamara understands that resilience is not built through grand gestures alone, but through the small and steady habits of daily life. When the world feels uncertain, she turns to the companions and hobbies that ground her. For the last nine years, her seizure alert dog, Chess, has been her steady rock. Chess is more than a pet; he is a lifesaver who senses her seizures before they even happen. Together, they walk through the fresh air to clear the mind and steady the heart.

Beyond her walks, Tamara pours her energy into creativity. She finds joy in drawing Disney characters, visiting art galleries, and listening to the powerful sounds of symphonic metal. These are her shields against stress. She knows that managing her anxiety through counseling is a vital part of her leadership, as high stress levels can trigger her seizures. By taking care of her own mental health, she sets an example for everyone watching her journey. “I am doing all I can to help inspire people and create better lives for them and for myself. You have to do your best not to let stress get the best of you, finding joy in the small things like a walk or a drawing.”

A Legacy Planted Like a Seed

Tamara does not want to be remembered just for her achievements, but for the information and hope she leaves behind. In her writing, she has shared the real and often unlisted side effects of the medications she has taken. She wants patients and families to have the knowledge they need to make the best choices for their own health. She describes her work as a seed planted in a garden. A flower does not bloom the moment it is planted; it requires time, patience, and hard work to break through the soil finally.

She is currently preparing to take her support global. Once her website is live, she plans to host video calls and appointments to help people navigate the complexities of living with both epilepsy and autism. Even now, she is open to emails and calls because she knows that being heard is the first step toward healing. Her book is a tool to fight the misunderstanding that often leads to a negative life for those with neurological conditions.

A Vision for a Fairer Future

Looking toward the years ahead, Tamara is calling for a total shift in how society treats the disabled community. Her leadership is focused on changing laws so that vital financial support is never cut. She is pushing for medical research that moves faster and for a healthcare system where epilepsy patients are seen immediately in emergency rooms. She refuses to accept the stigma that keeps talented people out of work just because of a diagnosis. “I hope for a world where employers change their view of disability and give people a true chance, even if they have been out of work for a long time. My legacy is about teaching people to never give up on their dreams, even when it feels hopeless.”

Tamara continues to fight her daily battles with a smile and a pen. She is not just a survivor of epilepsy; she is the creator of a new narrative for disability. As she works on her next book and builds her digital community, she is ensuring that the path she walked will be a little easier for the next person who follows in her footsteps.