Old-World Style in a Farmhouse(15)

Debbie Dobbs is proud of 5-year-old Cadbury, the first Irish Draught Horse born on her farm.

After the experience of daughter Stephanie's bout with a rare cancer, and being married to an oncologist, it was perhaps natural that Debbie would get involved in the fight against cancer. But Debbie's idea of an annual cancer gala isn't about raising funds for research. It's about honoring cancer patients themselves. "All of the 300 guests are either cancer patients or their families," explains Debbie, who hosts the party with husband Tracy. "The gala is their time to get out and have some fun. Everybody comments on how you can really feel the love in the room. It's a very personal party."

The gala, coming up on its 13th year, also recognizes the one individual or organization in the Knoxville community who's done the most to help cancer patients. "One year's honoree was a hairstylist who had provided patients with wigs. It can be a survivor, an organization, or any layperson who has helped the most," says Debbie. The event is in memory of one of Tracy's patients, Joy Dirksen Baker, the late wife of Senator Howard Baker.

The Dobbses pay for the party with funds that Tracy receives from pharmaceutical companies for experimental drug trials when conventional chemotherapy fails. "He puts that money in a nonprofit fund, and it pays for the party and research," explains Debbie.