Lance Belville

Our Lance--playwright, foreign correspondent, raconteur, life of the party, and all around community treasure--is failing. Not failing to live life to the fullest, not failing to  make his mark, not failing to fill a room with his ineffable being. His health is failing and there is no recourse.


Many of you know that Lance has been living with severe heart issues and dangerously low blood pressure for a number of years. Some of you know that on Friday, September 27, he was admitted to the ICU after his heart stopped 4 times. Thanks to the implanted defibrillator and his indomitable determination, he came back to us each time.

Lance rallied  after a few days and was released. He is at home now, with Lynn. He is very weak, but  in good spirits, working on re-writes for Qaddafi's Cook, and very much looking forward to the increasingly strong possibility that it will be included in the upcoming San Francisco International Theatre Festival.  But, as is his wont, he is also preparing for his end with a clear-eyed, uncompromising acceptance--and more that a few jokes.


So many of you want to know how he is, what's happening, and how you can help, that we have decided the best way to keep everyone up-to-date is to use this website, Caring Bridge, to post news and updates.  Telling the story over and over again is incredibly draining--yet, we know you are anxious for news. This seems like the best way to strike the balance between the two.


Please know that your support and good wishes mean the world to us.