Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has regained consciousness after being placed in a medically induced coma following a medical emergency in early August, Rolling Stone reports.
The 58-year-old musician suffered a medical crisis on Aug. 6 in San Francisco, just hours before he was scheduled to perform with Lionel Richie. A representative for band member Verdine White confirmed to PEOPLE that Paris is now awake and showing signs of progress, though he remains hospitalized in intensive care and faces two major surgical procedures.
“Since our last few updates, there have been both encouraging moments and new challenges,” the representative 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.”
Doctors had previously brought Paris out of sedation briefly but were forced to re-induce the coma to stabilize his condition, Rolling Stone noted. His wife, Kathy Merrick, described the recovery process as a marathon.
“JP is fighting every single day and our hope is strong,” Merrick said. “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.”
The band postponed its San Francisco concert without initially identifying which member had been hospitalized. After public speculation grew, the family released a statement on social media explaining Paris had been rushed to the hospital and sedated for critical care.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help Paris and his wife cover medical expenses during his hospitalization. Supporters continue to rally around the drummer as he prepares for upcoming surgeries.