Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris must undergo two surgeries after suffering a medical emergency earlier this month.
The musician, 58, was placed in an induced coma after suffering a medical emergency before the September hitmakers’ concert in San Francisco, California on 6 August.
Sharing an update on his health on Thursday, a representative for his bandmate Verdine White told People that the drummer has woken up from his coma but has a long road to recovery ahead.
“Since our last few updates, there have been both encouraging moments and new challenges,” the rep said. “As we’ve said from the beginning, recovery isn’t a straight line, and John’s journey continues to remind us of that every day.”
The statement continued, “Many of you may remember that earlier in John’s journey, he briefly awakened before needing to be sedated again. Since then, we’ve experienced another significant milestone – John woke up again. This time, there was encouraging progress.”
After he awoke, Paris was monitored closely by doctors, and his blood pressure remained stable and his breathing stayed strong. After additional testing, his medical team decided he would need “two major surgeries” and remain in the intensive care unit (ICU).
His wife, Kathy Merrick, told People, “This journey is definitely a marathon, but JP is fighting every single day and our hope is strong. John has already overcome obstacles that once seemed impossible, and while there is still a long road ahead, each step forward gives everyone around him renewed hope.”
A friend of Merrick has launched a GoFundMe page to support their family during this difficult time. They have raised more than $82,000 (£60,000) so far.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s show with Lionel Richie was postponed at the last minute due to the medical emergency. They did not disclose which band member had the health scare until a week later, when his friends posted an update on Facebook.
