Nationwide — Kiara Bowling, a 31-year-old African American woman from Oakland, California, who was hit by a car driven by two young boys, is taking her first steps again about a month after the crash nearly killed her. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and is now relearning how to walk, speak, and eat, as doctors expect her recovery could take about 2 years.
Bowling was walking her best friend’s dog on an Oakland sidewalk when a car struck her from behind. The vehicle was reportedly taken by two brothers, ages 7 and 4, who got their parents’ car keys while the adults were sleeping, according to their uncle. When paramedics arrived, Bowling was lying on the sidewalk and had no pulse. Her family feared she would not survive the injuries.
A month later, her condition has improved enough for her to begin walking again. Her aunt, Karon Markham, described her as a “walking miracle” as she continues treatment. She can now speak and move, although she still has to relearn many basic skills “What a blessing. Because we didn’t even know that she would make it one month today, and she’s up walking,” Markham told ABC 7 News. “She’s able to speak. She’s learning. She’s moving forward.”
Bowling still has a long way to go. She is working on basic activities such as eating on her own, putting together puzzles, and coloring. During a recent hospital visit, she thanked the nurses and other people caring for her. She also wants to recover faster but understands that she has to move at her own pace. Her reunion with Grizzly, the dog she was walking when she was hit, was another important moment. “The day Grizzly walked in, and she was lying in bed, and she said, hi, boy,” Markham said. Grizzly was also injured and is recovering.
Before the crash, Bowling was preparing for major changes in her life. She was in her final semester at Cal State East Bay while working toward a pre-law degree. She had also recently been selected as Miss California Regency International 2026. After completing a summer program connected to Harvard, she hoped to continue her education at Harvard Law School. Markham said Bowling had been excited about that future before the crash interrupted her plans.
The Oakland Police Department said the boys’ parents are cooperating with the investigation. For now, Bowling is focused on rehabilitation and regaining the skills she had before the crash. Markham has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Bowling’s medical care and physical therapy. The fundraiser has raised more than $122,000 so far. “She has a long recovery. And she’s getting there. Small steps,” Markham said. “And with the prayers from the world and God watching over her, she’ll get there.”