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
Taken from his childhood struggles at age 16 and adopted by an American family, Fernando Kuehnel’s journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and dedication. Overcoming immense adversity, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, all with academic honors. Despite his success, Fernando has never forgotten the hardship of his early years—scrambling with other orphaned children in the streets of Manila for food or scavenging through garbage for recyclables to sell. Returning to his native Philippines, he found it emotionally difficult to witness that many of the same conditions he once faced still persist.
In response, Fernando founded the Kabataan Charity (K Charity) in 2002. With the support of family, friends, and professional colleagues, the organization has made a meaningful impact on the lives of orphaned children, particularly at Nayon ng Kabataan, an orphanage home to over 200 children. Kabataan Charity has built a medical and dental clinic, provided essential medical supplies, including antibiotics and other medicines, and funded building repairs. The organization also invests in education by donating educational materials and computers to support the children’s learning and development.
In 2010, Carroll University honored Fernando with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Community Service, recognizing his dedication to improving the lives of orphaned children. Fernando regards this award as one of his most fulfilling achievements, as it symbolizes the belief and opportunity Carroll University extended to him, empowering him to succeed and give back to those in need. Through his work and advocacy, Fernando continues to inspire hope and make a lasting difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
CNN Philippines
The Story of the Filipino: Overcoming Difficulties
