Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer John Paris Wakes From Medically Induced Coma Again, But Facing ‘Two Major Surgeries’
The legendary R&B band's timekeeper suffered a critical medical emergency earlier this month.
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has made a second appearance from his medically induced coma, but the path to full recovery remains challenging. His friends and family shared an update on his condition, noting both progress and new obstacles. On Aug. 6, the band was forced to postpone a performance due to a "medical emergency involving a member of our band."
Paris briefly woke up from the coma but had to be sedated again. Recently, he regained consciousness again, and his medical team monitored him closely. Unlike the first time he came to, his blood pressure was stable and his breathing was strong, allowing doctors to evaluate his condition further. Doctors performed additional tests, providing a clearer understanding of what his body needs to continue healing.
However, it has been determined that Paris will need two more major surgeries as part of his recovery, which will keep him in the ICU longer than anticipated. Paris' wife, Kathy Merrick, expressed that the journey ahead is a marathon, but John is fighting every day, and their hope remains strong. The band rescheduled their San Francisco show to Sept.
26, with former member Sonny Emory filling in for Paris. A GoFundMe has been started to help the family with medical expenses and has raised over $82,000 of its $90,000 goal.
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