Woman shot while shielding kids from Kalamazoo gunman denies she's a hero

(INSIDE EDITION) - A brave woman who was allegedly shot by an Uber driver is speaking out about how the ordeal has made her stronger.

Tiana Carruthers, 25, was the first of eight people fired at by accused Uber driver gunman Jason Dalton in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in February.

"I thought I was strong before, but this has honestly made me stronger. I never knew that I could be this strong," Carruthers told INSIDE EDITION.

She was hailed as a hero for shielding children playing in a playground -- and taking a bullet for them.

"I don't feel like a hero. I feel like I was just doing what any parent, any mother would do. I didn't think; I just acted," she said.

Six people were killed by Dalton. Without Carruthers, the death toll could have been much higher.

"Why did you do this?" she cried, addressing Dalton.

Donations for Carruthers have been pouring in across America. On Sunday, she wept as she was presented with a check for $19,000 by members of her church.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old victim of the rampage who was declared dead by doctors is going from strength to strength.

Doctors were preparing to harvest Abigail Kopf's organs when she suddenly squeezed her mother's hand.

"We thought she was gone, but she got a heartbeat back," her mom said.

Video shows the young girl wearing a helmet because her skull has to be reconstructed, but she is doing physical therapy and walking again.

Dalton, who faces multiple charges including murder, has yet to enter a plea.