RANCHO SANTA FE — California Bipolar Foundation, or CBF, a newly formed organization dedicated to the advancement of research for the mental health disorder, held its first fundraiser at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club on Feb. 29. More than $125,000 was raised, making the organization’s first attempt at raising funds a resounding success.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function. More than the highs and lows that everyone experiences in life, those with bipolar disorder experience severe mood swings, and sometimes even psychotic behavior. It is estimated that more than 5.7 million Americans suffer from the disorder, which typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally late in life. Bipolar disorder is frequently not recognized as an illness and people often suffer for years before being properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.

CBF began with one mother’s struggle to find the support she needed when her youngest child, age 9, was diagnosed with the disorder two years ago. Rancho Santa Fe resident and mother of three Muffy Walker, who has a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, noticed that her son displayed symptoms as early as age 3.

“I looked for a forum to meet others who were dealing with this, too,” Walker said. “But it was difficult. I found a site on the Internet, but there was no face-to-face interaction, no one-on-one.”

Never one to sit back and wait for things to happen, Walker met with other mothers and concerned women who were doing their best to cope with children, family members or friends afflicted with bipolar disorder. Together they formed CBF within the last year and now serve as its board members, with Walker as president. The organization’s mission is to eliminate bipolar disorder through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support services for all affected; and to erase associated stigma through public education.

The board of directors has put together an impressive honorary board of directors, including Carrie Fisher, who is known for her bipolar disorder as well as for her acting and writing skills, and writer Pete Earley, author of “Crazy,” whose son has bipolar disorder.

The foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board is also a roster of “who’s who” with impressive credentials. The co-chairs are Husseini Manji, M.D., considered a leader in the research and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders; and John C. Reed, M.D., Ph. D., who in 2006 was named one of the top 10 “Doctors of the Decade” by the National Library of Medicine. Reed also happens to be Walker’s husband and father to their son who has bipolar disorder.

This year CBF will invite scientists worldwide to submit grant proposals for bipolar disorder research; the Scientific Advisory Board will then review the proposals and make recommendations on which ones to fund.

CBF also has a Patient Advisory Committee that helps to dispense advise to those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Presently, CBF is promoting “Break the Silence,” an educational program designed to bring awareness about mental health and illness into school districts. CBF will also sponsor a mental health fair at the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA on May 3.

To achieve the lofty goals established by the newly formed foundation takes money. Having helped organize fundraisers in the past, Walker helped put together a gala for bipolar disorder that was to take place in Los Angeles at the home of Cher. A sponsor was obtained but when it became apparent that fewer than 500 people would attend, the plug was pulled.

Walker was down, but not out. Months later, she attended a fundraiser for another organization and took note when the woman in charge said, while thanking all those who attended, “I remember my first fundraiser when only 33 people showed up.”

“Only 33?” Walker thought to herself. “What am I waiting for?’

Walker and the other board members welcomed more than 125 people to the first CBF fundraiser. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a welcome from Walker. A live auction followed dinner; participants bid on donated packages that included a basket of wines, a weekend getaway in Santa Barbara and a week’s stay at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

The event also included speaker Ross Szabo, author of “Behind Happy Faces: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health — A Guide for Young Adults.” Szabo shared stories from his own life: first, as a confused adolescent dealing with a brother who suffered from extreme mood swings; and later, his own realization that he, too, suffered from bipolar disorder. As a teenager he would go without sleep for four days and yet there were other days when he was so depressed he couldn’t even get out of bed. He began to drink heavily, hear voices in his head and watched as his life began to unravel. During high school, Szabo went from being friendly and outgoing to being considered the school’s “nutcase.” Years later, after successful treatment, the college graduate now speaks to young people at campuses and school auditoriums across the nation.

At the end of the gala, Walker accepted flowers and words of gratitude from her fellow board members. “This is only the beginning,” she promised with tears in her eyes.

For more information about bipolar disorder or CBF, visit CaliforniaBipolarFoundation.org.