Supporter Spotlight: The Heart and Logic of Bill Buchanan

In the world of actuarial science, Bill Buchanan’s lifelong profession, everything comes down to
probability, models, and precise assumptions. When you sit down to talk with Bill, you quickly
realize that while his mind moves in numbers, his heart is guided by something far more
profound–family and legacy.

As a “renegade actuary” (his own words), Bill has spent a career analyzing the world. But one of
his most impactful investments isn’t found on a balance sheet; it’s found on the campus of the
Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) and within the mission of the KC Blind All-Stars
Foundation (KCBAS.)

Bill’s connection to our mission is deeply personal. Years ago, Bill and his late wife, Jean, faced
a parent’s greatest challenge. Their son, Chris, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age two.
The illness was aggressive, eventually leaving Chris both deaf and blind before he passed away
at the age of five.

“That was the motivating factor,” Bill recalls. “It changed the lives of virtually the whole family.
That experience didn’t just create a memory; it created a mission.” Bill watched as Jean returned
to school to get her degree in religious studies, driven by the trauma and the care they provided
for Chris. Today, Bill carries that torch forward, knowing that Jean would be honored to support
this cause.

When Bill toured the KSSB campus with Superintendent Jon Harding, he looked at it through
the lens of a man who values efficiency and purpose. What he saw impressed him. Bill noted
that the school provides what the “rest of the world” does not, specifically through sports and
specialized life skills. He was moved by how the school integrates students into the community,
ensuring they know they are “not alone in the world.”

An avid supporter of the upcoming Carriage House renovation, Bill appreciates the
“economically sound” idea of repurposing a beautiful, existing historic building to serve more
students in a unique way.

“I hope it gives them the impression… that they can be normal in many, many ways. And they
can effectively live a useful and purposeful life.” — Bill Buchanan

True to his professional background, Bill believes in the power of the group. When asked what
he would say to someone considering supporting the KC Blind All-Stars for the first time, his
advice was simple and pragmatic: “Joining a group that is already in existence… is the more
economical use of your money and your time and your energy.”

Bill isn’t interested in the spotlight or the accolades. He is interested in results, the kind of
results that bring “hope and the joy of living” to students who are navigating the world without
sight.

We are incredibly honored to have Bill’s wisdom, his wit, and his humble spirit as a cornerstone
of our foundation here at the KC Blind All-Stars Foundation. He reminds us that while the odds
might sometimes seem long, the impact of a dedicated community is a sure bet.

If you would like to learn about how you can support the exciting Carriage House renovation
project, please email Greg Lever