Steve Van Vlaenderen was diagnosed with Parkison's Disease in 2011, but that hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his dreams of body building, sailing, and photography. 

This year, he was able to publish his first book of photography called Vanishing Wheels, capturing images of vintage vehicles in their final resting place on the prairies, including Southern Manitoba.  

Van Vlaenderen, currently battling stage 4 Parkinson's, together with his partner, Darlene Hildebrand, are currently on tour in Southern Manitoba, visiting local libraries for book signings. The couple fondly reminisced of falling in mud, dealing with tumultuous amounts of mosquitos, and being on the lookout for bears during photo shoots for the book. 

“It has been fun. The book opened my eyes and I saw parts of Canada that I would have never imagined seeing. I met people and heard stories that are so revealing of who we are as human beings and how unique Western Canada is. It was a great experience and I would do it again if I could.” 

Vanishing wheels book.Steve Van Vlaenderen reminisces about the bears that might be hiding in the bushes during this photo shoot.

The book of photography, Van Vlaenderen hopes, will bring awareness and raise funds for Parkinson’s research. 

“We don’t know enough about the disease. I hope we can fund Parkinson's association and Parkinson's research to find a cure. I'll never see a cure in my lifetime, but I'm hoping that my efforts, and Darlene’s efforts, will yield some research, and not just a cure, but to make it easier to live.”  

Van Vlaenderen gives advice to those that want to support those facing a degenerative disease, “When you see a person with a degenerative disease, they're not looking for pity. They are looking for understanding and patience. People want to be understood, and hopefully the support will be there.” 

Van Vlaenderen encourages those facing their own battle to keep pushing forward. 

“If you have Parkinson's disease or any degenerative disease, you don't have to stop. Pursue your dream. Don't stop. Just continue. Keep working.” 

The message of recognizing the caregiver is also important to Van Vlaenderen, suggesting that caregivers have the most important job. Caregivers are not only living for themselves, but for the person with the disease. 

“They feel the pain, and yet they don't have the disease. That is one of the things I really want to advocate for. The fact that the caregivers and care partners are the most important. They are the heroes of the story.” 

You are able to meet Steve Van Vlaenderen at the Altona Library’s book signing on Saturday, April 27 at 1 pm.  

Vanishing wheels book.

Learn more here.