Boy, family grateful to crossing guard who saved his life
(Published Monday, April 9, 2007 11:02:02 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Associated Press
WAUWATOSA, Wis. - After enduring surgeries in the last week for six broken ribs and a broken leg, Nancy Remkus remains wracked with pain.
But when 10-year-old William Wilsey struggled into her hospital room this weekend, the 50-year-old crossing guard mustered the strength to smile.
"I don't know if I'm his hero," she said. "I'm grateful he's alive."
Remkus was supervising Wilsey across the street on April 2 when a truck barreled through the intersection in the Milwaukee suburb of West Allis. Instantly Remkus threw herself between Wilsey and the vehicle.
"I don't remember exactly what happened in the intersection," she said. "I pushed him. It happened so quickly."
Wilsey suffered numerous bumps as well as a bruised leg that left him on crutches. On Saturday he and his family visited Remkus at Froedtert Hospital to express their gratitude.
"I just hope you're OK," Wilsey told her from a hospital wheelchair.
"I'm OK, I'm fine," she struggled to reply.
Wilsey's parents also expressed their thanks and delivered balloons, cards from kids at Wilsey's school and a giant thank-you note from his extended family.
Doctors said Remkus could be out of the hospital by the end of the week.
The truck driver was cited for failing to yield, a violation that carries a $101.40 fine.
