Family: Jacksonville man has long journey to recovery

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A Jacksonville man who was shot during the mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub over the weekend is recovering at a hospital.

Rodney Sumter went into surgery Monday after being shot in the arms and back.

Doctors reconstructed both his arms that was damaged by bullets from the shooting. There is still shrapnel in his back.

Sumter’s mother, Lenita, has been speaking with Action News Jax Paige Kelton. She said in a text that she’s grateful for the support:

"We are again very grateful for all the hometown and national outpours of support and love! We are so grateful to Josh who came out of his sheltered safety to help my son to safety and making it his person business to help my son to help my son in this tragic time. We had a very tiring, exhausting night. My son was in such excruciating pain after the reconstruction of his elbows. He still has a long journey to recovery with shrapnel in his body as a reminder for life. Thank you all for your prayers. God bless."

Josh McGill was running from Pulse nightclub when he saw Sumter and stopped to help him. McGill is now hoping for a reunion with Sumter.

Sumter is a bartender at the club and a father of twins.

The shooting at Pulse nightclub killed 49 people and injured 53 others. The shooter is also dead.

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Cox Media Group