Angels of Inspiration
Angels of Inspiration is the Master of Studio Art thesis of Vincent Fallis. A student and encaustic photographer at UMKC, he is approaching the end of a 10 year stint at UMKC working to graduate in 2022. His wife Mia has been the inspiration for this project, her battle with cancer has spanned decades.
This is a tribute to those who have fought the fight and may still be fighting it. Their stories giving comfort to those who are following similar paths. The viewer will be able to educate themselves on how cancer affects individuals through access to the American Cancer Society. Mia and I welcome all who wish to participate.
You have been nominated to participate in Angels of Inspirations. This project is for you, treat yourself. It will involve at least 10 participants who will be in the gallery exhibition, more if time permits. We will take all that we are able to and all will have their image posted online with their stories along with a fine print photo.
All participants will select an angel from four offered. Costumes tailored to that angel along with up to 8 props will be selected. Participants can provide their own costumes and props that fit the project if they wish. A photoshoot time will be scheduled once all details are worked out. The Photoshoot times will vary but generally 2 to 4 hours. Vince will select and work with 4 poses and create scenes similar to those of Mia's image to the right. Participants will see the four finished scenes and chose their favorite, they will receive a 12x18 print free. The others will be available for purchase at $50 per print. A second copy of the chosen print will be encaustic treated and placed in a Gallery Exhibition in Spring of 2022 for the finale of the thesis.
Mia
Arch Angel
Mia Fallis…portrayed as an Arch Angel? But that is how her husband Vince Fallis sees her.
A warrior that has been battling cancer for many years, just came through another bout in January 2021 that required the removal of part of her colon.
Mia was raised in central Kansas and at the young age of 14 she had a 5 pound tumor removed from her ovary. This extensive surgery removed her from pursuing sports but excelled in academics and the arts.
Shortly after getting married additional attacks began; her appendix (grew to 12”), a tumor on top of her head, a tumor in the thyroid growing to the size of a man’s fist, gallbladder full of tumors, total hysterectomy to removed tumors, esophagus with A typical cells requiring halo burning 10 times, and in 2011 another portion of the colon removed.
She has a rare cancer called Carcinoid. Slow growing but it has metastasized to Stage 4 and is currently in her; spine, colon, liver, and lining of the peritoneal.
Mia’s mother passed of bone and lung cancer and father passed of brain aneurism. A grandfather with colon cancer. Seems that genes are an influence.
The Carcinoid tumors emit a hormone that attacks the heart and lungs. So, every three weeks Mia goes to the University of Kansas Cancer Treatment Center for a deep muscle injection of Octriotide/Sandostan. This treatment helps fight the hormone. Through a grant and insurance, they cover the $49,000 cost every three weeks. She has been doing this since 2011.
She also takes chemotherapy in the form of a pill, Affinator/Everilimus. This helps to reduce the size of the tumors. Again, grant money pays the $1400 a month cost.
It has been through these battles that Mia has drawn strength on her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Reading the Word of God and praying for strength.
Vince has been an unwavering tower of strength. Going to doctors’ appointments, cooking, cleaning, and being a loving husband and provider.
Hello
92 Page Booklet $15
- Commemorating those in Angels of Inspiration in a 92 page booklet. All finished photos of all the cancer survivors plus their stories .
- (816) 738-1986 Mia
