The original Lisa was a grade school teacher in Vancouver, Canada. Roxanne Wiseman-Blanco took her  inspiration for the “Lisa Lunch” story from Kobi Nelson, Lisa’s cousin and an elementary school teacher in Colorado. Here is an excerpt of her touching story:

“…I’m going to have “Lisa Lunch.” One day a week, I’ll invite my 3rd grade students up to
my room to eat lunch, another day I’ll invite my 4th grade students, and another day I’ll invite my 5th grade students. And each day, my students can invite friends. Each day, we’ll have a big “Lisa Lunch” party where we can just chat about everything and anything. Lisa style. We’ll talk about what the kids want to talk about. We’ll talk about things that are important to them. “Lisa Lunch” will be a safe place for them. A safe place where they
know they are wanted, included, important—all the ways that Lisa made me feel whenever I was around her…” 

Such a safe and magical place is depicted in the book "Lisa Lunch".

Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Callanish Society in support of their weeklong retreats for adults living with cancer.

In memory of Lisa K. Johnson