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In an extraordinary display of determination and resilience, Dr. Jaima Brown-Kishbaugh graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice on December 14, fulfilling a lifelong dream even as she battles terminal breast cancer. Jaima, a triple Millersville University alumna, has her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2011), Master of Science in Nursing (2014), and now, her DNP—an achievement that was both a professional and personal triumph.
Jaima’s journey to her doctorate began in May 2022 when, after being declared cancer-free, she embarked on her DNP studies. However, her path took a devastating turn earlier this year when she learned her cancer had returned as stage 4, triple-negative breast cancer—one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Despite the diagnosis, Jaima remained steadfast. “My goal was to die a doctor—it’s one of the things that was driving me,” she shared.
Dr. Kelly Kuhns, Chair of Nursing at Millersville University praised Jaima’s unwavering spirit and the profound impact she has had on the nursing program. “Earning her DNP was on Jaima’s bucket list, and she worked diligently toward it. When it became clear this fall that her disease was terminal, the faculty rallied around her to help her achieve her goal of ‘dying a doctor.’ Her success is a testament to her grit and the love and support of her ‘nurse squad.'”
“Without Dr. Kuhns and the nursing professors rallying behind me this would not have been possible,” says Jaima. “The nurse squad was definitely in my corner and made it happen.”
Balancing her treatments, studies, and family life, Jaima persevered. “Some days I was so sick from chemo I couldn’t get off the couch,” she recalled. “I did telephone calls for work lying on the couch—I’d get up, take notes, and have to lie back down. I just did what I needed to do to get through that.” Her relentless determination reflects what she calls “the Brown way—the family way,” a mindset instilled by her father, where excellence and tenacity are non-negotiable.
Jaima’s three children, including two younger kids aged 9 and 11, were in the audience on graduation day to witness her triumph. “Oh my gosh—I couldn’t stop smiling,” she said. “I’ve been in school for 20 years. Start to finish—10 years to get my master’s, and then I came back for my doctorate. I’m a go-getter. If I see something I want, it doesn’t matter the obstacles, I go for it.”
Despite her illness preventing her from practicing as a nurse practitioner, Jaima has not stopped giving back to the profession she loves. She continues to teach one class per semester as an adjunct faculty member, driven by her passion for nursing education. “One of my duties as a nurse is giving back to the profession, and I do that by teaching. It makes my heart happy.”
Her outlook on life remains inspiring. “Being terminal makes your priorities a little different,” she said. “I have stuff to do before I leave.” Jaima plans to continue chemotherapy treatments and is pursuing care at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, one of the leading institutions for cancer treatment. “Your mind has so much to do with everything—the willpower to keep going matters. I’m aiming to blow past the 1-2 years they gave me.”
The upcoming holidays will be spent surrounded by family and friends, a silver lining Jaima holds close. “One of the benefits of dying is that everyone comes to see you a lot. Being with them makes my heart happy.”
As Jaima reflects on her journey, she hopes her story inspires others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles. “You can do it. Whatever life puts in front of you, go after it. I’m a firm believer that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Jaima’s story is one of courage, persistence, and hope—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nurse, a mother, and now, a doctor.
