Winsted man lives life large with MS

WINSTED — A local man with multiple sclerosis (MS) has realized that quality of life is not measured in years but rather the life within those years.

Whether he’s entering a room or like a gust of wind turning on his heels to leave, Dwayne Paige’s energy can’t be measured or contained. Animated and at times rowdy and unruly, he is on a quest to leave excuses behind and move “living life large†to the top of the agenda.

The mantra for Paige, 49, of Winsted, might be a mighty task for someone who is reminded daily that movement is not a guarantee. For someone accustomed to active sports like snowmobiling and game hunting, having multiple sclerosis is a daily battle, but one that he fights courageously.

“He just lives life. He doesn’t let MS hold him down,†said Kevin Driscoll of Winsted, Paige’s longtime friend. “With him it’s go big or go home.â€

Multiple sclerosis has been a part of Paige’s life since 1990, when he was first diagnosed after experiencing feelings of numbness and tingling in his face and arm. Paige was in remission for 10 years but experienced a flare-up of symptoms after a surgery in 2004. Since that time his symptoms have consistently worsened, and today he walks with the aid of crutches.

Nonetheless, Paige is determined to move forward. At times, Paige can only fulfill his mantra through a relentless expression of enthusiasm, but whenever possible Paige compensates for the challenges that MS presents him. He refuses to surrender and insists on finding another way. To that end, Paige is currently in the process of building a trike bike so that he may return to his passion of motorcycle riding. Paige is equally passionate about winning the fight against MS as demonstrated by his fundraising efforts with the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter.

This year Paige will participate in the Walk MS for a ninth year. Last year Paige raised $1,513 as a member of team Dawg Walkers, which raised $4,442. This year Paige and his walk team, Dwayne’s Dames & Dudes, hope to raise $5,000 in preparation for the upcoming Travelers Walk MS presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Sunday, April 18, in Litchfield.

“The team is growing daily,†said Paige. “We’re looking to raise money and move research forward so we get closer to a cure.â€

Paige will host the first ever “Living Life Large†benefit on Friday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. at Billy Ray’s Cafe, located at 19 Rowley St. in Winsted. The benefit will feature live music by Band Waggon, a classic rock cover band. There is a $5 cover. Proceeds benefit Paige’s team, Dwayne’s Dames & Dudes, and the Travelers Walk MS.

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Paige and nearly 400 other Litchfield-area residents, live with multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there currently is no cure. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through events, such as the Travelers Walk MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

To learn more about Living Life Large or to donate to the team, contact Dwayne Paige at dwayne_paige@yahoo.ca. For more information about the Travelers Walk MS, presented by Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, call 800-FIGHT-MS or visit ctfightsMS.org.

Winsted native Kristen Baer is an intern for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a senior at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, majoring in communications and psychology.