ABOUT

About

Fernando's memories of sleeping under makeshift cardboard shelters and surviving on the streets of Manila as a young child brought him back to his Filipino roots in recent years to fulfill a promise made.
Fernando 10 (middle) his brothers Adriano 8 (left) and Roberto 6 (right) in the orphanage in Manila. Circa 1976
Fernando 10 (middle) his brothers Adriano 8 (left) and 
Roberto 6 (right) in the orphanage in Manila. Circa 1976
Taken out of his childhood struggles when he 16 years old and adopted by an American family. With hard work, discipline and dedication, Fernando went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Nursing Practice with academic honors. However, he never forgot  what it was like to be hungry and scrambling with other young orphaned children in the streets of Manila, Philippines for food and dig through garbage to find recyclables to sell. Fernando has made several visits back to his native home, finding it emotionally difficult to realize that some of the same conditions from which he came still exist today. Through the establishment of the House of Kabataan Charity (K Charity) he founded in 2002 and with the growing support of family, friends and professional colleagues, he has been able to provide help to a Filipino orphanage (Nayon ng Kabataan)  which is home to more than 200 children.  

Kabataan Charity built a medical and dental clinic and  provides medical supplies including  antibiotics and other medicines. The organization also helps with building repairs and  provide educational materials including computers.

Carroll University awarded Fernando the Distinguish Alumnus Award for Community Service in 2010.  Fernando said that this was the most fulfilling award because Carroll University had taken a chance on him and saw within him the ability to succeed.
In 1985, Fernando was adopted at 16 years old by the Kuehnels and graduated from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1991. 

Photos of his parents and two son's.
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