The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research is nearing the second anniversary of receiving its non-profit status. We have tried to keep you updated with our progress with most of our news being geared toward fundraising and celebrations of Sean’s music. As a new non-profit, this is to be expected…. no money, no mission! An all-volunteer organization, we are totally dependent on the generosity of people who give of their time and talents toward our fundraising efforts. Sometimes, even I wonder when the fundraising will result in a tangible realization of our goals. The Fund’s purpose is to get answers to many unanswered questions, and fundraising is time consuming and not always that profitable. While they may not always result in huge profits, they serve many other purposes, not the least of which is spreading the word about the Fund while keeping Sean’s legacy alive. We do need to find new avenues and audiences for our mission, which is not limited to blues musicians, and, in fact, has relevance to all creative communities.This year, however, I am excited to announce that we have actualized the mission. The Fund sponsored a conference of three members of our Scientific Advisory Board in San Francisco (Drs. Sheri Johnson, Greg Murray, and Eric Youngstrom) with the purpose being to analyze data to determine the relationship between creativity and bipolar disorder. Additionally, the data were used to evaluate the impact of mania on creativity. One issue with medication compliance is that people who are bipolar believe they are more creative when they are manic. If there is scientific evidence that this is not necessarily true, artists and musicians may be more willing to remain on their medication regimen. The results of this conference were so significant, publications are being submitted to scientific journals with plans for presentations in Europe and the US. Additionally, there are plans for a Conference in Vancouver where people who are bipolar will meet together with scientists to discuss issues that are at the core of our mission. In each of these cases, The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research will be cited. We will have international exposure and recognition for asking questions that no one else posed and providing resources for answering them.In addition to the above, Sheri and Greg have collaborated on The Mojo Project that is currently in the running for a $50,000 grant from Pepsi. Mojo is an internet and mobile based application to monitor sleeping patterns of musicians. Sleep deprivation is known to be a trigger for mania which often results in risky or dangerous behavior. This would be a groundbreaking resource that helps address the uniqueness of a musician’s lifestyle while offering them real time assessment of the onset of mania along with resources for intervention. This is incredible! Two renowned scientists using the latest in technology to effect better outcomes for musicians with bipolar disorder.The reality, however, is that our work has just begun. Not until we have answers about how a creative mind works can we offer effective and possibly life saving interventions. It will take time and money to support research for evidence based care for people with dual diagnosis (bipolar disorder and addiction). Given that addictions and bipolar disorder go hand in hand, this research is essential in stemming the emotional, financial and social impacts of dual diagnosis.Knowing that we are on the cutting edge of research that has attracted the best and the brightest in the field, we cannot let the challenge of resources stop us from progressing. We have been blessed with in-kind donations from supporters worth tens of thousands of dollars. The office is in our home and no one collects a salary. We direct all of our resources toward a mission to which we are committed. Nonetheless, we need to grow to succeed. We need professional fundraisers to reach out to new audiences, grant writers to secure necessary funds for important research, and that means money. We have come full circle… no money, no mission.In the spirit of the season, we are asking our supporters to give a tax-deductible donation to The Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research. The economy has been hard on us all, but we cannot fail. We have the potential to be the catalyst to life-saving research and programs…. HOPE, where there has been little. We are supposed to be doing what we’re doing. I’m sure of it, but I need your help.You are the Sean Costello Memorial Fund.We are asking each supporter to donate $100 or whatever amount you can afford.*Thank you in advance for your continued support.Happy Holidays to you and your family.May your holiday season be peaceful and bring your family together in joy.With Love and Immense Gratitude,Debbie Costello Smith