Karela was born February 18, 1988 in Lima, Peru to Raul and Dana (Zapata) Ruiz. The family moved to Atlantic City, NJ in 2000. There she studied at Atlantic City High School. After graduation she attended Rowan University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Spanish. Karela was an extremely bright young woman. She enjoyed reading books, listening to music and bike riding. Karela also devoted a lot of her time helping kids through the Make a Wish Foundation. At the tender age of 19 ,Karela was diagnosed to Hodgkins Lymphoma. That was a battle she bravely fought for 6 years, even travelling world-wide to recieve treatment. In June of 2013, Karela moved to Tamarac to live with her mother due to her declining health. Sadly, on August 22, 2013, Karela succumbed to her disease at the age of 25. She is survived by her mother, Dana Zapata; her father, Raul Ruiz; her brothers, Leonardo Sebastian Ruiz, and Miguel Angel Delgado; and her sister, Wendy Ruiz. Karela also leaves her aunts, Denise Zapata, Danny Zapata, Demmy Zapata, Maria Santos, Paola Ruiz, and Catalina Ruiz; and her uncles, Hector Zapata, Dey Zapata, Dubeer Zapata, Francisco Ruiz, and Gracimiano Ruiz to cherish her memory. Friends may call from 2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Coral Springs Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make A Wish Foundation at