CORAL Honored by SIU School of Medicine's AWIMS

Springfield IL (September 5, 2025) CORAL found itself in unfamiliar territory Friday evening at the Hoogland Theater when they were presented the award of honor by the SIU School of Medicine’s Alliance for Women in Medicine & Science (AWIMS) for their unwavering commitment to uplifting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community of Central Illinois. While CORAL is usually giving these awards to others for their work with the community, it was a pleasant change to be receiving one as well.

AWIMS is a dedicated network committed to advancing gender equity and empowerment of women in science and medicine both in SIU and the communities they serve.  This was AWIMS third annual “Colors of Health” fashion show, which is a vibrant and creative event to raise awareness about critical health topics such as cancer, HIV prevention, mental health, gun violence and more.  The fashion show centers around those colors that designate certain health issues.  For example, one model wore all red, which represented HIV and another dressed in purple to represent Alzheimer’s.  While the models strut their stuff, information on that issue is explained.

Eash year, they select and honor a community organization for its impactful work and donate all proceeds to support that mission.  CORAL is genuinely thankful for this recognition, especially at a time when our work to maintain the freedoms and rights of our community are so needed.

The evening also included the lovely and entertaining Mahogany Knight and friends for entertainment as she also worked the mic, educating the attendees on the colors of health.  CORAL was well represented for the event and Brian Sylvester, CORAL President, accepted the award by asking all attendees who identify as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community to stand with him to be recognized for the courage and resilience it takes to come out from behind that socially imposed façade to be our true selves.

CORAL wants to thank SIU School of Medicine and AWIMS for this unexpected and wonderful award and recognition.  We are truly honored.