'A terrible disease': Photographer raising Parkinson's awareness with book of vintage cars
A local man who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a decade ago isn’t allowing the disease to prevent him from following his passions and achieving big goals.
Steve Van Vlaenderen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. Since then, he’s continued to pursue his passions of fitness and photography.
Now, he’s releasing his first photography book called ‘Vanishing Wheels,’ which showcases vintage vehicles in the Prairies.
Though Van Vlaenderen describes his Parkinson’s diagnosis as ‘kick in the stomach,' he made the decision to keep living life to the fullest.
“Exercise was my medicine, and you just keep going, don’t stop,” he said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Friday.
“It’s a neurological disease, not a mental disease. It doesn’t impair your cognitive ability, it just slows you down a bit.”
With his new book, Van Vlaenderen travelled all around Western Canada to capture the snapshots of vintage cars.
He said through the journey he took 10,000 images.
“It’s nostalgia for me…each vehicle that I take a picture of has a story,” Van Vlaenderen said.
“Then it also has an understory, so it’s layered.”
Proceeds from the purchase of ‘Vanishing Wheels’ go to Parkinson Canada.
“They have to find a cure,” said Van Vlaenderen. “It’s a terrible disease to deal with.”
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
'Check your tickets as soon as possible': Ottawa resident $70 million richer than they think
Attention Ottawa residents, a $70 million Lotto Max winning ticket was sold somewhere in the nation's capital.
Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary
Live Nation is investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary, which dominates ticketing for live events in the United States.
Vancouver synagogue holding service after arson attack
A Vancouver synagogue is set to hold its first service after an arson attack charred the building's front door and left the Jewish community shaken.
Israel describes a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as a 'nonstarter,' undermining Biden's proposal
Israel’s prime minister on Saturday called a permanent ceasefire in Gaza a "nonstarter" until long-standing conditions for the ending the war are met, appearing to undermine a proposal that U.S. President Joe Biden had announced as an Israeli one.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.