Debra Goldman, a breast cancer survivor, is the TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. The Komen N.C. Triangle Race for the Cure is June 13 at Meredith College. The annual event - the largest footrace in North Carolina - brought more than 24,000 people to Raleigh last year. Now in its 13th year, the event has raised more than $10 million for cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs. There's still time to register.

And here's Debra ...

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Debra: I am a happily married (to Steve) mother of three and stepmother of one. My background has been in so many fields. I have been a department store buyer, the director of a temporary employment agency, even a firefighter and EMT! My favorite "job" has been that of being a mom. I have chosen to stay home with my children, since moving to the triangle three and half years ago. My kids range in age from 11 to 19. I find myself involved with elementary school events, high school sports and various community activities.

Over the past year and a half, I became very busy learning all about the wonderful care that is available for those diagnosed with breast cancer in the triangle. I was diagnosed in October 2007 and quickly learned what amazing facilities and people are here! It has been a year since my last surgery and I am feeling great. I have chosen to actively pursue whatever will make my family's life the healthiest and happiest that it can be. My family has been wonderfully supportive, but my 14-year-old son has been a very strong supporter of mine. Most recently he was featured in the news media for his Raleigh Youth Hockey Association team's wearing of pink hockey laces to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer, and the need for a cure.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle?

Debra: Home. We love to go to events, out to dinner, sightseeing and shopping around Cary, Apex and Raleigh. Mostly, though, there is such a feeling of community, and we love to be home and gathering with friends/neighbors.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle?

Debra: I really love to go exploring new places, so I don't have just one favorite. If it's just me, I like to go to the Streets of Southpoint and wander around. There's always something new to see, and it's climate controlled! I like Umstead Park, or walking around Apex. I also enjoy checking out the Cary Library and picking up a fresh cup of coffee (decaf) from a local coffee house to enjoy while I start a new book. The staff at the Cary Library are so helpful and always keep me well stocked with things that I enjoy reading.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your kids?

Debra: Watching them at their activities. Whether it's hockey, lacrosse, gymnastics, Girl Scouts...We like to go as a family and watch their accomplishments...And cheer really loudly! Other than that, I like to make a really big deal out of everyone's birthday. It always involves an elaborate homemade cake and lots of fun. I also like to try to spend time alone with each of the kids. Maybe it's a Sunday morning breakfast with my middle son, shopping with my daughter, or a lunch at Serendipity Deli in Cary with my oldest son.

Mom2Mom: What did you eat for dinner last night? Can you share the recipe?

Debra: I made chicken soup. My youngest daughter wasn't feeling well, so I let it simmer all afternoon. I enjoy cooking and love to bake as well. I'm happy to share the recipe, it was so easy, and I made it up as I went along! I just put a pound or so of raw, skinless, boneless chicken breasts into a pot and let them boil til cooked through. I added some celery (big pieces so that I could pick them out for my son who doesn't like them), baby carrots, fresh parsley and spices (pepper, Mrs. Dash, onion powder and garlic powder). I let it cook all day and near the end, I added some noodles that I had cooked and set aside earlier. That's it, easy:)

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Debra: Getting my hair done over at the Arboretum. It's pricey, but they are so good and it's worth every penny and every minute!

If you know a mom we should feature, e-mail me. And learn more about other local moms by going to www.trianglemom2mom.com/meet.