Karina Allure Borgwing

Karina Allure BorgwingJune 10, 2005 – September 7, 2025

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend, Karina Allure Borgwing, who entered eternal rest on September 7, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with Synovial Sarcoma.

Karina was born on June 10, 2005, to Cynthia and Jonathan Borgwing. From the beginning, she was a light to everyone who knew her—an artist, a dreamer, and a young woman filled with kindness, resilience, and love.

Karina expressed her vibrant spirit through creativity. Whether painting pottery, blending soft pastels, or writing her book Journeys with Rina—a tender children’s story inspired by her own cancer journey—she shared beauty and hope with the world. She loved watching movies, exploring art in every form, and most of all, spending quality time with her family. Time together was her love language, and those who shared it with her know how deeply it mattered to her.

She cherished the special bond she had with her Aunt Yasnai Rodriguez, with whom she enjoyed countless adventures, and she loved traveling with Yasnai’s 2 year old daughter, Ayla. Karina was also an avid Disney lover, whose joy came alive on Disney cruises, Disney movie marathons, and everything magical that the parks had to offer. Olaf, with his warmth and humor, was her absolute favorite character, and Tangled will forever remain her favorite Disney movie.

In 2024, Karina was honored as Orange County’s Citizen of the Month for her incredible contributions through Rebuild Yourself Inc., the nonprofit born out of her heart and vision to ensure no teen ever feels alone. Karina’s ability to help others know they mattered made her truly one of a kind. The three words that capture her best are: caring, creative, and empowering.

She is survived by her loving parents, Cynthia and Jonathan Borgwing; her siblings, Cameron Smith, Ryan Borgwing, Julianna Smith, and Bay Smith; her grandparents, David and Aida Rodriguez and Lars and Mary Beth Borgwing; and her beloved Aunt Yasnai and cousin Ayla, who held such a special place in her heart. Her family will forever carry her in their hearts and honor her by living with the same courage and love she embodied.

Karina’s legacy continues through Rebuild Yourself Inc., a nonprofit founded because of her vision and determination to ensure that no teen ever feels alone. Her story has already touched hundreds, and through this work, it will continue to change lives.

In keeping with Karina’s wishes, her family will hold a private celebration of life. We kindly ask for privacy during this time of deep grief. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rebuild Yourself Inc are requested, so that Karina’s legacy of peer support, love, and empowerment can live on.

For those who wish to honor Karina, we invite alumni of Rebuild Yourself, members of the Interact Club of Central Florida, and all who knew and loved her to join us at a special Rebuild Yourself session on Wednesday, September 17, from 2–4pm at XL Soccer World (12314 Suttner Ave, Orlando, FL 32827). Together, we will share stories, memories, and love in tribute to a life that touched so many.

Karina’s life was short in years but immeasurable in impact. She was—and will always be—our angel.