Kiara Bowling faces ‘lifelong recovery’ after children driving car strike her in Oakland

The California State University East Bay student remains hospitalized after being struck while walking a dog in Oakland.

Kiara Bowling was doing something entirely ordinary, walking a dog along an Oakland, Ca., sidewalk, when a car driven by a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old struck her. Her family now says the young woman faces a recovery that will stretch across the rest of her life.

According to ABC7 Eyewitness News, Bowling suffered a brain bleed and facial fractures in the Aug. 6 collision on 35th Avenue and will require multiple surgeries. She remains hospitalized at Highland Hospital.

What makes the timing especially cruel is where Bowling was in her own story. In her early 30s, she is a final-year student at California State University East Bay and had recently returned to Oakland from a summer program at Yale as she pursues her J.D. She was also just crowned Miss California Regency International 2026, a title her family highlighted in a photo shared publicly as she began her recovery.

A GoFundMe launched on her behalf describes “a long and difficult road ahead,” noting that Bowling “is facing a lifelong recovery and will need continued care far beyond the immediate aftermath.” Organizers say contributions will go toward medical bills, transportation to appointments, physical therapy and additional surgeries. As of Monday, August 9, the campaign had raised more than $73,000 toward a $90,000 goal.

Her family’s own words have leaned on faith rather than bitterness. In an update posted Saturday, they wrote, “No matter what yesterday looked like, GOD IS STILL GOOD,” thanking supporters for their prayers.

Oakland police previously told PEOPLE the crash happened around 9:30 a.m., just blocks from the boys’ home. The sedan sideswiped an oncoming vehicle, lost control and struck Bowling near 35th and Mangels avenues. Both children were injured, with the 7-year-old breaking both legs and the 4-year-old sustaining a concussion, according to the boys’ uncle. Their parents are cooperating with investigators.

For those who know Bowling, the outpouring reflects what she was building toward: a law degree, a crown and a career in front of her. Her family is asking that support continue as she begins what they describe as an uncertain and painful road.