OAKLAND, CA — Nearly three months after a crash that nearly killed her, Kiara Bowling is speaking publicly about the long recovery that followed and the progress she has made since the collision. The 32-year-old Bay Area resident returned to the Oakland intersection where she was struck from behind while walking her best friend’s dog.

Bowling said she feels grateful to be alive and still able to walk. She said the experience left her with life-threatening injuries and a traumatic brain injury, and she has spent months relearning basic tasks. Her return to the scene brought together memories, neighbors and some of the people who helped her that morning.

How the Oakland crash unfolded with two young children behind the wheel

According to the account shared by ABC7 Bay Area, the crash happened after two brothers, ages 7 and 4, took their parents’ car keys and drove off in the vehicle. Bowling was hit from behind while she was walking and was later found on the pavement with severe injuries.

She said she does not remember the moment of impact. Bowling explained that she had little recollection of the area or the day itself until mid-September, when her doctors filled in the details of what happened. The loss of memory is part of the brain injury she suffered in the collision.

The crash became a deeply traumatic event for Bowling and for the people who witnessed it. She said it looked like the kind of situation that would leave almost no chance of survival, which made her recovery feel even more remarkable to those around her.

Months of rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury

Bowling said her injuries forced her to relearn how to walk, talk and eat independently. She described each step in recovery as a new milestone and said the process has changed what normal life looks like for her now.

Doctors expect her recovery to take about two years. Bowling said she is still adjusting to what she called a “newly normal” life after a traumatic brain injury. Even so, she said she remains optimistic and is focused on moving forward one step at a time.

She also said she is thankful simply to be able to stand and walk again. The physical progress, she said, is a reminder that survival alone was a major victory after such a severe crash.

Witnesses and Good Samaritans return to comfort Bowling

During the interview at the crash site, several people who had seen the collision or helped in the aftermath stopped by to check on Bowling. The unexpected reunion brought emotional moments as bystanders described what they remembered from that morning.

Rita Macina, who said she was one of the Good Samaritans who responded, recalled that someone was already giving Bowling CPR when she arrived. Kevin Jones said he prayed for Bowling at the scene and was glad to see her recovering.

Bowling also spoke by FaceTime with Lavelle Shah-Marquis, who had been in Oakland visiting from Seattle when he helped after the crash. He told her the car came up fast from behind and said she and the dog were struck before she went unconscious.

Community messages, hugs and prayers line the intersection

A poster with photos of Bowling remains near the intersection as a sign of the support she has received from neighbors and strangers alike. Bowling said she is grateful for the prayers and messages left for her, even from people she does not know personally.

As she read the notes, residents stopped to offer hugs and encouragement. Leslie Juarez told Bowling that she often thought about her while walking past the area and was relieved to see her doing better. Another resident, Victoria, also stopped to embrace her and said it was a blessing to see her there.

Bowling responded with thanks and said the kindness has helped carry her through recovery. She said the community support has meant a great deal as she continues to heal from the crash.

Bowling says she forgives the children involved in the crash

Bowling, who is a college student hoping to attend law school, said she does not hold anger toward the children involved in the crash. Asked directly whether she forgives them, she said yes.

She previously worked as a teacher assistant and said her outlook has remained positive even as her life has changed. Bowling also said more than 2,000 people have donated to her GoFundMe, which she says has helped support her recovery.

At the intersection where the collision happened, Bowling stood with family members and reflected on surviving. She said being alive is the biggest blessing, and that every step forward reminds her how far she has come.