Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris is facing a long and costly road to recovery after suffering a terrifying medical emergency ahead of a California concert.
The 58-year-old musician’s loved ones just revealed the performer didn’t have medical insurance when he suffered a cardiac incident at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Aug. 6., according to an update from his family’s GoFundMe fundraiser.
After spending more than two months hospitalized and suffering a spinal cord injury, Paris has finally been transferred to a rehabilitation facility, but his mounting medical expenses have left his family scrambling for financial help.
“After more than two months in the hospital, we have wonderful news: John has left the hospital and begun the next phase of his recovery in rehabilitation,” fundraiser organizer Mashelle Clark wrote.
“This is a milestone we have prayed for — but it is not the end of John’s journey. In many ways, a new one is just beginning.”
Paris was preparing to perform alongside Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie when the medical emergency unfolded shortly before showtime, forcing organizers to abruptly cancel the highly anticipated concert.
But while fans were left disappointed, the legendary percussionist and his family were facing a far more devastating ordeal.
His wife, Kathy Merrick, a musician and member of the iconic girl group Honey Cone, put her career on hold and left their Los Angeles-area home to remain by his side in San Francisco.
The couple’s unexpected ordeal has brought staggering expenses, including travel, lodging, household bills and ongoing medical care.
Now his supporters are revealing just how dire the financial situation has become.
“Today we need to share something we did not publicly discuss when this fundraiser began. John did not have medical insurance when this medical emergency occurred,” Clark wrote.
“John’s prolonged hospitalization, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation and continuing medical needs have created a financial situation far beyond what we anticipated when Standing With John began.”
The couple is reportedly exploring every possible avenue for financial assistance, including Medicare and workers’ compensation, although it remains unclear what expenses, if any, will ultimately be covered. Rallying around drummer with donations
Despite the uncertainty, Paris has reached a major milestone by entering rehabilitation, where he will work toward regaining his independence and eventually returning home.
The fundraising campaign has already collected $102,322 toward its $110,000 goal, with fellow musicians and fans rallying around the drummer with donations.
Earth, Wind & Fire bandmates Gary Bias and Myron McKinley previously chipped in $200 and $500, while former Chicago musician Jeff Coffey donated $1,000.
Meanwhile, the concert that was derailed by Paris’ medical emergency has officially been scrapped.
The Chase Center performance with Richie was initially rescheduled before being postponed again after the “All Night Long” singer underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder.
Richie’s representative said the procedure was successful, but the singer needed time to recover.
Ticketmaster has since notified concertgoers that the San Francisco show has been canceled, with refunds issued.
As Paris continues his grueling recovery, his loved ones are hoping the public will once again step up for the musician who has spent decades entertaining audiences around the world.
“John has spent a lifetime giving us music,” Clark wrote. “Now let’s help John on the long road home.”
