Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris began rehabilitation on October 18 after suffering a heart attack and enduring a medical crisis that has upended his life. The 58-year-old musician was hospitalized for more than two months following a cardiac incident that occurred just before a concert at San Francisco’s Chase Center on August 6. His family recently disclosed that he did not have medical insurance at the time of the emergency.
After the shocking event, which led to the abrupt cancellation of the concert featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and Lionel Richie, Paris faced a series of health challenges, including a spinal cord injury. His family has been vocal about the gravity of his situation and the financial strain it has caused. Mashelle Clark, organizer of the family's GoFundMe campaign, announced that Paris has transitioned to a rehabilitation facility. “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,” Clark wrote.
While this development is a significant milestone, Clark emphasized that it is far from the end of Paris's journey. The couple's ordeal has resulted in staggering expenses, including travel, lodging, household bills, and ongoing medical care. “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 added. “John’s prolonged hospitalization, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, and continuing medical needs have created a financial situation far beyond what we anticipated.”
Paris's wife, Kathy Merrick, a musician known for her work with the iconic girl group Honey Cone, has been by his side throughout this challenging period. She has put her own career on hold, leaving their home in the Los Angeles area to support her husband during rehabilitation.
The couple is actively exploring various avenues for financial assistance, including Medicare and workers’ compensation, although it remains unclear what costs will be covered. The fundraising campaign has gained significant traction, with donations currently totaling $102,322 toward its $110,000 goal. Fellow musicians and fans have rallied around Paris, with Earth, Wind & Fire bandmates Gary Bias and Myron McKinley contributing $200 and $500, respectively. Former Chicago musician Jeff Coffey has also stepped in to help with a $1,000 donation.
The concert that Paris was set to perform at has been officially scrapped. Initially rescheduled, the show alongside Lionel Richie faced further postponement after Richie underwent a procedure for atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. While Richie's representative confirmed the procedure's success, he required time to recover. Ticketmaster has informed concertgoers that the San Francisco show has now been canceled, with refunds being processed.
As Paris continues his recovery journey, his loved ones remain hopeful that the public will continue to assist the drummer who has dedicated decades to entertaining audiences worldwide. “John has spent a lifetime giving us music,” Clark wrote in a heartfelt message. “Now let’s help John on the long road home.”
According to NY POST.
