Skylar Soares pursued her dream of becoming a fashion designer despite dealing with debilitating health problems. The most amazing part: She’s only 13 years old.

Soares, a student at Le Jardin Academy, was diagnosed with three auto­immune disorders: lupus, hemophago­cytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Job syndrome. She endures monthly chemotherapy treatments and takes other medications, while doctors visit her at least three times a week to keep her stabilized.

When her lupus diagnosis required Soares to wear a hat at all times, even when indoors, she decided to design her own hats and educate others about sun safety. The hats block ambient light that aggravates Soares’ autoimmune condition, resulting in chronic eczema. Though her reaction to sun exposure is extreme, Soares said, "In Hawaii, everyone needs to be worried about sun protection."

Skylar began her design venture with the help of the Make-A-Wish foundation. She could have met a celebrity, traveled, or attended a concert or sporting event anywhere in the world, but none of that was important to her.

"I knew that I wanted to give back," she said. "I didn’t want anything for myself."

Make-A-Wish partnered with local agencies and companies to help Soares attain her dream of creating her sun-safe hat line, HiSky. She learned to write a business plan with the help of Hawaii Pacific University. And she was introduced to leaders in the local fashion industry through the Hawaii Fashion Incubator.

Her colorful caps and visors are embroidered with the HiSky logo. Custom designs can be ordered, in Hawaiian print or other fabrics.

For her effort, Soares was named 2013 Small Business Hawaii Entrepreneur of the Year and hopes to expand her line to include rash guards, sunscreen and water bottles within three months.

"No one likes to be in the hospital but the hats gave me something to think about, especially during three hours of treatment," she said. "The wish makes kids want to get better. Designing the hats made me feel better."

"A Christmas Wish for HiSky" concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fresh Cafe Downtown to raise funds for Soares’ medical treatments on the East Coast. Each attendee will receive a HiSky hat.

When Soares isn’t working on her designs, she enjoys reading and creating art. "They are good distractions," she said.

When her condition is stable, she enjoys heading to Kahuku with her parents and 8-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister to ride dirt bikes and ATVs.

"It’s very refreshing to be out and about and not worrying about my next doctor visit," she said. "It’s a good break."

Hats available at hisky.us.