Ms. Linda R. Zeitzoff

Linda Zeitzoff, R.N., CPNP, a pediatric diabetes educator at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and event coordinator, says that the purpose of the event is to educate families and bring them together to network with others who are living with the day-to-day demands of diabetes.For the past seven years, Ms. Zeitzoff has coordinated the medical programs at Camp Glyndon - a camp for children with diabetes.

The event was made possible through the contributions of Animas Corporation, Medtronic Minimed, Novo Nordisk and Lifescan.

To be included in future diabetes education programs, e-mail lzeitzoff@mwph.org.

From left to right, Barbara Moore, Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital; Linda Zeitzoff, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; and Zelda Zeitzoff.
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From left to right, Barbara Moore, Mt Washington Pediatric Hospital; Linda Zeitzoff, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; and Zelda Zeitzoff.

Linda R. Zeitzoff, RN, CPNPMt. Washington Pediatric Hospital

Linda Rae ZeitzoffMt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
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Linda Rae Zeitzoff

As pediatric nurse practitioner and certified diabetes educator at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Linda Rae Zeitzoff combines dedication to her professional responsibilities with compassion for her young patients, helping them learn to live normal lives while coping with the restrictions of a chronic disease.

For nine years, Zeitzoff has directed an in-patient program for children newly diagnosed with diabetes, some as young as 18 months.The program helps the entire family learn about diet, insulin and other aspects of living with the disease.

Zeitzoff also spends every summer coordinating the medical program at a special camp for diabetic children - Lions Camp Merrick, formerly known as Camp Glyndon, in Nanjemoy.

"Camp is often the first time that an inner-city child is expected to be part of his own diabetes care.Each summer, there is at least one child who ‘grows' more than expected from the camp experience," Zeitzoff said.

Parents and other health care professionals recognize what children gain from the camp.

"I am writing to express my gratitude for the wonderful experience my son had," a mother wrote to the camp."I want to thank you for providing a wonderful week for a beautiful young lady," wrote a school's health nurse.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Zeitzoff spends considerable volunteer time coordinating family support groups, fundraisers and other events designed to educate patients and families about the disease and to provide environments for children to come together to manage their illness while also having fun and building self-esteem.

The lesson she tries to impart to her patients, Zeitzoff says, is that "they can live a normal life like other children while caring for their diabetes."The disease, she tells them, "is only a limitation, not a disability."