Discussion Group for Parents/Caregivers of Children 26 and Under

Meet your discussion group hosts, Danielle Barnard & Erin Palmer.

Danielle Barnard:

My name is Danielle, and my advocacy is deeply personal. Both of my children and I have been diagnosed with HCM, and my daughter is a survivor of multiple sudden cardiac arrests.  I've lost both my mom and my aunt to HCM, and live beside extended family members living with the disease.
Through my family's journey, I understand firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and strength that come with an HCM diagnosis.  I am passionate about creating safe spaces for connection, encouraging early cardiac screening, and helping families feel less alone as they navigate life with HCM.  I'm committed to offering hope, education, and compassionate support to those seeking guidance and community.

Erin Palmer:

My heart journey started after my son was born. I was diagnosed with HCM after he required emergency open-heart surgery at 2 weeks old. He was born with a congenital heart defect and also discovered that he had HCM. I went on to need an ICD placed in 2019 and had my septal myectomy in 2023. My sister also has a complex HCM case that led her to a heart transplant in 2025. I love being a listening ear and the biggest advocate for my loved ones. 

I volunteered at Seattle Children's Hospital and facilitated a parent peer support group for heart families before the COVID pandemic. We offered monthly peer support groups, quarterly family activities, and held several fundraising events for the Heart Center. In 2018, I was selected as a member of the Consumer Taskforce for Baby's First Test for that year and advocated for the importance of pulse oximetry in newborn screening in Washington, DC. 

I have my Master's Degree in Education in School Counseling. I have been a school counselor since 2007 and worked at both the high school and middle school levels. I love supporting families through the ups and downs of their children's educational journeys. I hope that every child can feel seen, supported, and valued.  In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, two children, and our goldendoodle. We enjoy traveling, spending time outside, and playing board games. I look forward to connecting with other heart families in this space.