Deborah Miranda is a multifaceted mama with an eager smile. She gets a special thrill from watching happy faces as she performs with RHM. You might find her snowmobiling on the top of a mountain with family, or snuggled up with her most recent book club reading, or enjoying an indulgent spa treatment, but you will never find her in clutter. She is a self-described minimalist. She collects nothing. Her family said if they stood still long enough she'd toss them out.

She has a tender spot for those who cannot protect themselves. If you could look into her world, you would most likely find her joyfully singing. She said she wanted to be a Red Hot Mama when she grew up. Soooo, apparently she grew up! But not without growing pains.

Growing up was warfare. The cause of young Deborah's horrible pain and migraine headaches eluded medical professionals around the country. The entirety of her youth was overshadowed with physical pain of undiagnosed disease and mental pain of people discounting it as, "All in her head." She said, "I had to develop a tough psychological hide to ward off the mean kids' comments." She was sad ... very sad.

She wasn't about to let the sickness beat her and pushed herself hard to play sports even though there were times she was too sick to show up or even get out of bed. She said, "You just have to overcome and move on."

Finally the diagnosis came: Endometrial cancer. The episodes of excruciating pain and seizures continued into her adulthood, where she was given the grievous news she would never have children.

In 1989 she met her soul partner. She loved him so much she refused to marry him because she didn't want to cheat him out of his dream of having children. He loved her so much he refused to accept that answer and let her know he would wait forever for her. This is the stuff movies are made of.

From work one day, a horrible episode of unequalled pain sent her to the ER. As she was coming to grips with the anticipation of being told she was dying, the attending phlebotomist said, "Congratulations on your pregnancy!" She instantly fell off the table. Deborah beams, "My pregnancy was an indisputable miracle!"

The day her son was born was the happiest day of her life. She marveled at the blessing of him and views the birthmark on his shoulder as an angel's kiss.

As she states it, "Life keeps on going no matter what. It is like a train never slowing down." Within two years of her son's birth, the disease ravaged her body. As she neared death, her mom called Virginia Mason asking for someone to save her daughter's life. They referred Deborah to Sacred Heart in Spokane where Dr. Fern did just that. She believes, "God wanted me to stay and raise my amazing son."

Having spent most of her life demanding warrior strength of herself in daily combat, she takes nothing for granted and glows in her blessings. She believes laughter has a way of making everything tolerable and views being a RHM as an amazing opportunity to bring it. She says, "These ladies are the real deal!"

Deborah has earned her stripes. Her words of earned wisdom, "Never ever give up on you. Believe. Be strong. Push, push, push, every day of your life."

There are many organizations offering a boost of new life to participants. Be encouraged to get on out there and seize the day. The Mamas can be followed on Facebook and reached at www.rhmamas.com.

• Meet Deborah Miranda

Age: 43

Married 23 years, 1 son

Bellevue Community College. Licensed Realtor in Idaho, Washington, Arizona

Operations manager for Northwest Tile and Floors, Cd'A

Red Hot Mama: 1 year

Pet peeve: People not being accountable for their actions, and clutter!

Most embarrassing moment: Told the hottest girl in high school she didn't need a bra. (It was true)

Highlights of her life: Birth of her miracle child and an out-of-body, near-death experience.

Enjoyments: Hunting, Hiking, Outdoor Activities, Singing, Hostessing, White, Tacos, The Spa, Funny Movies, Book Club, Sarah Brightman, Annie Oakley.

RHM Besties: The kids' faces at the Ride for Life Children's Cancer fundraiser. Joy. Performing in the Macy's parade. Inspiration. Friends for life.

RHM Tuffies: N/A