An Oakland woman seriously injured last month after being hit by a car driven by two young boys has reached a major milestone in her recovery, surrounded by family as she slowly learns to walk again.
New video shared by the family of Kiara Bowling shows the California State University, East Bay student taking steps in rehabilitation nearly a month after the Aug. 6 crash changed her life. Her family hopes it is the first of many major steps as she works to regain her independence.
“It’s been hard… turned our world upside down, had to adjust,” said Bowling’s aunt, Karon Markham.
According to police, Bowling was walking her friend’s dog near 35th Avenue in Oakland on Aug. 6 when she was struck by a vehicle being driven by two young boys.
Bowling sustained severe injuries, including brain trauma along with facial and rib fractures. The crash forced her to put her plans to graduate and apply to law school on hold.
Despite the severe injuries, Markham said Bowling is making steady daily progress.
“She’s working puzzles now… able to color… in the lines,” Markham said.
However, Bowling’s relatives say they still harbor major questions regarding the circumstances of the collision—specifically how two children managed to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“Everything just doesn’t fit, it doesn’t connect for us,” Markham said.
Doctors estimate Bowling’s full recovery could take up to two years.