Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has woken up from the medically induced coma that was administered over three weeks ago. Paris suffered a medical emergency just before the band was set to perform at the Chase Center in San Francisco on August 6th, forcing the band to cancel. The San Francisco Fire Department transported Paris to a local hospital in critical condition following a cardiac incident that occurred around 5:30 that evening.
When John arrived at the hospital, his doctors placed him into an induced coma while they worked to provide the critical care he needed. Since his hospitalization, his wife, Kathy, and daughter, Kyla, have remained by his side, joined daily by one of his closest friends, Eddie M. Shortly after arriving, John briefly regained consciousness, but his blood pressure was unstable, forcing his medical team to sedate him.
His team has shared another update on his journey on the Facebook page titled “Standing for John Paris.” Amid the plethora of posts showing support for the 58-year-old, a new statement says John’s blood pressure has stabilized after awakening a second time. However, Paris will need “two major surgeries as part of his recovery.”
This will force Paris to remain in the ICU longer than expected, “while his medical team carefully prepares him for the next phase of his treatment.”
Paris’s exact ailment remains unclear.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Paris and his family with medical and living expenses following his sudden hospitalization.
“We know so many of you have been faithfully praying, sending messages of encouragement, and thinking about John every day,” his team writes. “Please know that your love and support continue to lift John, Kathy, Kyla, and the entire family during this journey.”
The group is currently on their Sing a Song All Night Long Tour with Lionel Richie.