A Woodstock High School paraprofessional is working to make others aware of a disease that's taken over his life.

Dennis Conway will spend this month raising awareness about multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, a chronic disease that attacks the body's central nervous system.

This week is MS Awareness Week, sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The week is designed for those living with multiple sclerosis to inform the community about their struggles and to raise money for the society.

Conway will spend the whole month talking to Woodstock High students about his disease and the message to never give up.

Conway, who works with the special education department, said he's been involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society for two years, and the organization "has been very good to me."

Last year, the organization provided a partial scholarship to his daughter to attend Valdosta State University and has funded hospice care for him.

The most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include fatigue, tingling, numbness, balance and coordination problems, blurry or double vision and weakness in one or more limbs. Less common symptoms include slurred speech, sudden onset of paralysis and cognitive difficulties.

Conway was diagnosed with the disease in 1987. The only symptom Conway had was a numb feeling in his legs, and while playing sports, he noticed his left leg would drag.

Doctors prescribed him vitamins, and the condition did get better. But 90 days later, he lost his vision in his right eye. An optical neurologist referred him to a neurologist, who diagnosed the disease.

"I was absolutely crushed," he said, noting his vision returned.

After the diagnosis, Conway said he was able to lead a normal life. Other than the leg symptoms, he had no other complications. He even participated in the Peachtree Road Race in 1998, but in 2000, he said he "started coming apart."

About 10 years ago, his daughter came home with a rare virus that he caught and that "put him down."

The virus further complicated the disease. He was put on crutches and eventually began using a wheelchair.

Along with the wheelchair use, Conway often has double vision and can't move his right arm. While his disease continued to progress, Conway said he often would mope around and feel sorry for himself.

Then one day Conway decided to "cowboy up" and live his life to the fullest.

"You just got to keep going," he said.

His wife, Leana, who he met when she was his massage therapist, said her husband has a determined attitude about life.

Mrs. Conway attributes that characteristic to Conway's upbringing.

"He just doesn't give up trying or learning... despite his body giving up on him," she said.

Conway was born and raised in Rome. He won a football scholarship to the University of West Alabama in Livingston and graduated in 1977 with a degree in business and a minor in economics.

He worked as a manufacturing representative in the hunting and fishing industry for 12 years. He also owned and operated a retail sporting good store before closing it in 1999 due to his health.

Conway, 55, and his wife live in BridgeMill. The couple has a blended family of four children, the youngest of which is a sophomore at Woodstock High. He's also a lay coach for the boys' lacrosse team at the school.

He attends Sixes United Methodist Church and has served on board of the Cherokee County Child Advocacy Council and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children and currently serves as vice-chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Tax Assessors.

Conway said he wants people to understand that people with multiple sclerosis can live longer and healthier lives than 25 years ago.

"It's not a death sentence," he said.