Earth, Wind & Fire drummer John Paris has left a San Francisco hospital and begun rehabilitation more than two months after suffering a serious medical emergency.
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Paris, 67, experienced the emergency on August 6, forcing the band to abruptly cancel a scheduled concert with Lionel Richie in San Francisco.
Organizers had already postponed the concert twice before ultimately cancelling it.
Earth, Wind & Fire Drummer Begins Rehabilitation
Paris' prolonged hospitalization, spinal cord injury and ongoing medical needs have reportedly placed significant financial pressure on his family.
Supporters established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the musician and his wife, Kathy Merrick, cover mounting expenses.
According to a recent fundraiser update, Paris did not have medical insurance when the emergency occurred.
"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," the update reads.
"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."
Merrick has remained by her husband's side in San Francisco throughout his hospitalization, "while maintaining the living, travel and household expenses" of their home in Los Angeles.
Since its launch in early August, the fundraiser has collected more than $100,000 toward its $110,000 target.
John Paris Faces Long Road to Recovery
Although Paris' move into rehabilitation represents a significant "victory" for his family, it has been acknowledged that he still faces a "long road ahead".
His rehabilitation will focus on helping him regain "as much independence as possible" before he can eventually return home.
"John has spent a lifetime giving us music. Now let's help John on the long road home," the update concluded.
Meanwhile, Lionel Richie has also faced health complications in recent months.
The singer recently underwent an atrial fibrillation ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that aims to restore a normal heart rhythm.
A representative for Richie said his doctor reported "everything went perfectly".
They added that Richie is "doing great." He now plans to take time off to recover before returning to the stage.
Health concerns have disrupted Richie's 26-date North American tour on several occasions, with the singer also requiring hospital treatment in June and August.
