WAUWATOSA - A crossing guard hit by a truck got a big thank you from the boy she protected at 116th and Greenfield in West Allis.

Ten-year-old William Wilsey wheeled his way into a Froedtert Hospital room where 50-year-old Nancy Remkus was recovering.

It took a lot of effort for Remkus to move her pain-stricken body. She has endured surgeries for six broken ribs and a broken leg. Remkus has to muster energy just to speak.

"I don't know if I'm his hero," she told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "I'm grateful he's alive."

William has some bumps of his own, including a big bruise on his leg. It could have been much worse. Remkus acted fast to put her body between William and a truck Monday.

"I don't remember exactly what happened in the intersection," she recounted. "I pushed him. It happened so quickly."

It is a struggle for William to walk. He has been using crutches to get around since the collision. From a hospital wheelchair Saturday, William told Remkus, "I just hope you're OK."

"I'm OK, I'm fine," she replied.

William's family delivered balloons, cards from kids at school and a giant thank you note from his extended family. They tried to express their gratitude in words.

"I really thank you so much," said William's mom.

"I appreciate you saving my son's life," added his dad.

Remkus' doctors told TODAY'S TMJ4 she could be out of the hospital by next Friday.

West Allis police gave the driver who hit Remkus and William a traffic ticket for failing to yield. The penalty for that violation is a $101.40 fine.