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Uninsured Drummer Faces Long Road to Recovery After Injury
9 Oct
Summary
- Drummer John Paris suffered a spinal cord injury, leaving him hospitalized for over two months.
- Paris and his wife lack medical insurance, leading to significant financial strain.
- A GoFundMe has raised nearly $98K to support his medical and living expenses.

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has entered rehabilitation following a critical medical emergency. He spent more than two months in a San Francisco hospital after sustaining a spinal cord injury on August 6.
Paris and his wife, Kathy Merrick, are grappling with significant financial strain as they did not have medical insurance when the emergency occurred. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by friends to assist with his medical and living expenses, raising close to $98,000.
The drummer's family states he faces a lengthy path toward regaining independence and returning home. His hospitalization occurred shortly before a scheduled concert with Lionel Richie, which has now been canceled. Richie himself had previously experienced health scares during his performances this year.