Few authors channel courage, vulnerability, and advocacy as powerfully as Tamara Simeunovic. A writer, disability advocate, and lifelong epilepsy warrior, Tamara has transformed lived experience into a voice of strength for millions navigating invisible disabilities. Her nomination for the Author of the Year Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026 recognizes the profound impact of her writing, work that educates, empowers, and gives hope where it is needed most.
Tamara is the author of The Epileptic Warrior Princess – Life with Epilepsy, a deeply moving and informative book that blends personal memoir, practical guidance, and passionate advocacy. Living with epilepsy since the age of two, and supported by her loyal seizure-alert dog Chess, Tamara offers readers an unfiltered look into the realities of life with a complex neurological condition. Her storytelling is raw, honest, and fearless, she does not shy away from the pain, but she also illuminates resilience, dignity, and inner power.
Within the pages of her book, Tamara confronts the realities of drug-resistant tonic-clonic seizures, the emotional toll of unpredictability, and the isolation caused by widespread misunderstanding of invisible disabilities. She candidly recounts experiences with bullying, discrimination in employment, and the strain epilepsy places on relationships, bringing visibility to struggles often endured in silence. Yet The Epileptic Warrior Princess is more than a memoir. It is a lifeline. Tamara equips readers with practical knowledge about different seizure types, the side effects of anti-epileptic medications, and actionable strategies to reduce triggers, manage stress, and advocate for fair treatment, particularly within systems such as the DWP. Her guidance empowers individuals and families to move from fear to informed action.
What sets Tamara’s work apart is its balance of honesty and hope. She does not romanticize illness, but she reclaims strength from it, encouraging readers to fight for their rights, trust their instincts, and redefine what a fulfilling life can look like with epilepsy. Her message is clear: disability does not diminish worth, and resilience is a form of royalty.Through her writing, Tamara has become a voice for those too often overlooked, patients, caregivers, and families seeking understanding and reassurance. Her work fosters empathy, breaks stigma, and builds a community rooted in shared experience and empowerment.
With her fearless storytelling and unwavering commitment to advocacy, Tamara Simeunovic has turned personal adversity into collective strength. Her nomination for the Author of the Year Award at IMA 2026 honors not only her literary contribution, but her role as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the face of lifelong challenges, the warrior within can rise, speak, and inspire others to do the same.
