Wang, who has struggled with bouts of thyroid cancer since she was 14, worked as a nurse before retiring. She divorced her second husband after the quake because he opposed her becoming a full-time volunteer.

She sold the 900,000 yuan ($145,700) apartment she got in the split and bought a cheaper one outside town. She spends the extra money on the children, she says.

But cash is only part of her contribution. Wang's "adopted" daughter Xiong Fengming says: "Ganma helped us regain confidence."

The 21-year-old is the only youth Wang helps who did not lose a leg. However, a scar snakes from her hip to her ankle.

"She would never wear skirts," Wang says. "But I encouraged her to and bought her one on the Internet for 80 yuan. She wore it. She's no longer embarrassed."

Xiong points to a sign posted inside Wang's door that reads: "Home is the most important place in the world."

"We come when we can for encouragement," she says. "This is where we feel the most relaxed and energized."

Xiong says Wang really understands her and her "siblings".

"We feel we're called here by our hearts," she says. "Ganma has a lot of energy and is brave. We share our private thoughts."

When asked why she has devoted herself to the youngsters, Wang explains: "We should let the world know how brave these kids are. Suddenly, there was a quake, they woke up, their legs were gone and they went and studied hard and are good people.

"They weren't yet mature but have overcome incredible challenges."

Wang and the youths agree the inspiration is mutual.

"Every child is a hero in my heart," Wang says.