Michelle Cleveland
Our Founder’s Story
In 2016, Michelle endured the heartbreaking loss of two out of her four children to suicide, a pain that echoed the tragic experiences of Neil Peart, the renowned drummer for Rush and author of Ghost Rider. Faced with this unfathomable grief, Michelle found solace in the roar of her motorcycle’s engine and the open road, following in the footsteps of Peart’s journey, seeking healing, and rediscovering her will to live.
Michelle’s roots trace back to her childhood, where her family’s escape from Czechoslovakia to America ignited a lifelong passion for exploration. They embraced their new homeland with boundless curiosity, embarking on adventures in their trusty pink station wagon to witness the marvels of their adopted country. From the vibrant spectacle of Cheyenne Rodeo Days to the serene vistas of Indian Reservations and from the ancient wonders of the Petrified Forest to the awe-inspiring spectacle of Meteor Crater, the family’s travels were a testament to their thirst for discovery.
In September 2022, Michelle boldly decided to relinquish her ties to conventional life, selling her house and embracing the nomadic lifestyle once more. Encouraged by a friend, she embarked on a new chapter by launching a MotoVlog, using her platform to document her adventures and offer a beacon of hope to others facing their struggles. “Through my own experiences, I’ve come to realize that many people are unaware of the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in their own backyards,” Michelle reflects. “I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to embrace the spirit of exploration.”
Today, Michelle’s travels are a personal odyssey and a mission supporting Project 24SEVEN, a testament to her resilience and commitment to spreading positivity and hope to all who follow her on the road less traveled.
What is Project 24SEVEN?
Project 24SEVEN, conceived by Michelle Cleveland, stems from a moment of reflection triggered by a simple check-in call from a networking colleague. It dawned on her that despite being encouraged to reach out “any time,” she often found herself unable to initiate contact during times of crisis.
In moments of profound despair, Michelle recognized the familiar hesitation she experienced when contemplating reaching out for support. She envisioned a solution: a curated list of individuals who explicitly offered their support, eliminating the daunting task of deciding whom to call in moments of need.
The aftermath of suicide often leaves loved ones grappling with the haunting question: “Why didn’t they reach out?” This instinctual urge to help underscores the importance of timely intervention. Suicide hotlines are vital resources, as statistics show that over 90% of individuals in crisis reconsider their decisions when engaged in conversation.
Imagine a world where reaching out for support is as effortless as pressing a button on your phone. Project 24 Seven aims to make this a reality by developing an app that removes barriers to seeking help. By empowering individuals to connect with their support network effortlessly, the initiative aims to mobilize communities to provide timely assistance and support to those in distress.
Initially conceived to fund the development of this groundbreaking app, Project 24SEVEN has evolved into a multifaceted endeavor committed to advancing suicide prevention and education initiatives worldwide. Through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts, the project strives to create a world where no one suffers in silence and help is always within reach.