From accident to inspiration: Corvallis-based non-profit helps women abroad go back to school | Community Spirit

On a solo trip to the Phillipines, an ATV accident sent Cheryl Hatch of Corvallis straight to the hospital.

"They kept saying, where is your companion? Where's your companion," she said, "and I would have to say, sorry, solo."

But solo was unacceptable in the Phillipino culture, so they sent a female friend for Cheryl: Leah.

"So she came and stayed with me in the hospital," Cheryl said, "and I was there for four days, and in that time we talked."

Soon a deep friendship began to form. Leah shared her dream to Cheryl about wanting to go to school to become a teacher, something she could never afford.

She needed $2,500. Cheryl wanted to help, so she offered to pay.

"She went back to school at the age of 31 and moved back to her village," Cheryl said, "and graduated in October of 2007."

Cheryl attended Lay-ah's graduation. When she got back to U.S., she knew she wanted to help more women. That's how her non-profit Isis Initiative started to help other young women go to college.

"We have another young girl, she just finished up her first semester," Cheryl said. "She is starting her second semester, and we are looking to migrate the program to Egypt.

"It doesn't take a lot of money is certain places to make a difference," she said. "The gesture spreads, and every person making a small difference can make a difference."