Knoll said that she and Fessler helped organize the first “Journey for a Purpose” in 2012, which was attended by more than 300 women and generated $55,000 for Circle of Hope. She said she was drawn to work with Chabad on a breast cancer support project after meeting the Kramers.

A Brooklyn native, Knoll has lived in Merrick for 25 years with her husband and three children. She said her family and friends acted as an important support system for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago. Her experience and recovery led her to take up the Circle of Hope Cause, Kramer said, as she wanted to help women manage their treatment with the least amount of stress and greatest amount of support.

Fessler, a North Bellmore native who now also lives in Merrick, said her experiences after her diagnosis also led her to become involved with the Chabad project. The kindergarten teacher, who was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, said she wasn’t aware of the large number of women in her community who had the disease. After seeing a need for the center, Fessler became involved in creating it.

The Youth Courage Award winner, 12-year-old Andie Ofsink, is also a cancer survivor. Ofsink was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive childhood cancer in the form of a tumor behind her eye, in 2008. Because the location of the tumor precluded surgery, Andie immediately proceeded with an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Ofsink is now approaching her five-year anniversary of being cancer free. Kramer said that serving as an example of hope and recovery to others who suffer from cancer has become an important mission in Ofsink’s life.

All four were honored in a ceremony that was just one part of the benefit. In addition to dinner served by Genadeen Caterers, Kramer said, attendees also enjoyed a musical performance by Elizabeth Tasch, a Calhoun High School alumna, an address by Grammy Award winner Gloria Gaynor, a runway show sponsored by Lonny’s Boutique, Let’s Accessorize, Lets Bag I and Beautiful People, as well as a Chinese auction.