Belleville Teen Battling Pain Syndrome Is ‘Shining Knight’ At Rutgers

BELLEVILLE, NJ — It was nearly two years ago that Belleville 16-year-old Mike Zulla Jr. was diagnosed with amplified pain syndrome, a debilitating condition that causes severe pain throughout the body. As his condition worsened, while many of his peers focused on “typical” teenage worries, Zulla found himself needing help to walk.

But thanks to his bravery and strength – as well as some key support from his medical team and family – the Belleville teen found himself standing tall as the “Shining Knight of The Game” at a recent Rutgers football matchup against Virginia Tech.

A collaboration between Rutgers Athletics and RWJBarnabas Health, the initiative aims to shine a spotlight on a local patient who is inspiring others with their battle against a “health care challenge.”

That description is right on the nose for Zulla, Rutgers administrators say:

“In April 2022, [Zulla] entered the Children’s Specialized Hospital inpatient pain program, where he spent three weeks (including his birthday) tackling the issue, while making remarkable strides towards recovery. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Chalom, Dr. Katherine Bentley and a devoted and compassionate medical team at RWJBarnabas Health – alongside his incredible family support system – Mike continues to make progress today. While he still deals with flare-ups and back pain, the Belleville High School junior is working extremely hard to manage the situation. Thanks to weekly physical therapy sessions at JAG-1, the passionate sports fan is active and smiling again.”

After arriving on the Rutgers University campus, Zulla got a chance to participate in a full lineup of Rutgers football game day activities, including leading a pre-game parade down to Scarlet Knight Way. He also enjoyed a prime spot in the high-five line to greet Coach Schiano and the Scarlet Knights team members as they got off the buses. Later, Zulla signed a commemorative display that will be shown on a banner at future games.

Zulla was joined on the field by his mother, Alexandra, father, Mike Sr., his brother, Matthew, and Sir Henry, the Rutgers Scarlet Knight – getting a standing ovation from the Scarlet Nation crowd at the Sept. 16 game.

Zulla’s gumption apparently gave Rutgers an emotional boost, as well; the team beat Virginia Tech by a score of 35-16.

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