“It means the world to us:” Make-A-Wish honors 5-year-old Milwaukee boy with trip to California

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A 5-year-old Milwaukee boy got the surprise of a lifetime on Friday morning.

Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Isaac Gilbertson and his family will travel to the San Diego Zoo next week.  On Friday, Gilbertson was surprised with a scavenger hunt at Macy’s inside Mayfair Mall ahead of the trip.

“It means the world to us,” Gilbertson’s mom Ann said. “It is probably one of the best days since he’s been diagnosed.”

Isaac was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in March. It’s a form of cancer in the lining of blood vessels.

Before the scavenger hunt began, Isaac arrived at the mall in a limo. He was then greeted by singers and others celebrating his big day. Throughout the scavenger hunt, Isaac completed crafts and was given gifts he can use on his trip to San Diego like flip flops and a bathing suit.

Ann says the event was a dream come true for her family.

“I was in tears because I never expected it but we’re happy,” she said.

When asked if he was happy and excited, Isaac responded yes.

Over the next several weeks, Macy’s is partnering with Make-A-Wish for the annual “Believe” campaign.  For every letter written to Santa online or at a Macy’s store, $1 will be donated to the foundation up to $1 million.