UPDATE AUGUST 23, 2023:
EXCITING NEWS: I wrote Premier Doug Ford about two weeks ago. I received the following e-mail from Premier Doug Ford today.
Thanks for reaching out about your son Andrew and his current health situation. I'm sorry to hear about the difficult experiences and challenges you've had to overcome.
With that said, I do appreciate your insight on this matter and take your concerns seriously. I've forwarded your email to the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, for her information.
Thanks again for contacting me.
Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I am hoping that Honourable Sylvia Jones rules favourably on Andrew's medical transfer to P.E.I. I realize that it will take some time to organize between Ontario and P.E.I.
I wish to publicly thank Dr. Richard O'Reilly, psychiatrist for advising me that there was a provision in the Ontario Mental Health Act for a medical transfer.
SIGHTINGS TODAY:
One of ANDREW'S ANGELS searched for Andrew tonight around Jane Street Toronto. Andrew disappeared. She previously located Andrew twice, with the last time being at the Pearson Airport, where Andrew went on the 409 Highway.
She was 10 minutes (3k) from the last sighting tonight. She wanted to get a photo of Andrew, as he was wearing a lightweight windbreaker style jacket. We are not sure of the colour.
It was raining today in Toronto and we did not get the first sighting until 4:26 p.m. It was a long day waiting to hear where Andrew was located. He walks 11 - 25k seven days per week. He is an elite marathon runner so walks quickly.
6:20 p.m. Andrew was walking north on Jane Street north of Tretheway. Walking on west side of the street. He was wearing a light weight windbreaker type jacket. He was eating a bag of chips.
6:00 p.m. Andrew was walking north on Weston in front of the parking lot of the UP Station. He was wearing the light coloured track pants and New England Patriots gray long sleeve sweater.
4:26 p.m. Andrew was walking north on Weston Road in front of Weston Station.
So far, Andrew has walked 5K today. It was raining, so perhaps he was in a mall seeking shelter.
Andrew was last seen yesterday at 2:45 p.m. sleeping on the grass outside Home Depot at St. Clair and Keele. This is next to McDonald's where Andrew was apprehended and taken by police to St. Joseph's Hospital last Friday.
My husband and I are still in shock from the decision to discharge Andrew back on the streets homeless.
The PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO PEI PETITION has received 6256 signatures so far. These are caring and compassionate residents of Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Here is the link: https://chng.it/TMKMZfHH2p
Change.Org states that with 7,500 signatures, this petition is more likely to get a reaction from the decision maker.
We are most thankful to the people of Ontario who are caring for our son, Andrew, by providing him with food, water, money and clothing as well as giving me daily sightings.
Charlottetown CBC reporter, Jessica Doria-Brown, interviewed me this morning.
The Globe and Mail will be publishing a story written by Marcus Gee this week. It will detail Andrew's painful mental health story and my advocacy for mental health reform.
Reporter Kim Zavzour, Tor Star will be publishing a comprehensive two-part story regarding Andrew, mental illness and the various advocacy efforts. It will be released Saturday or perhaps Monday, August 28, 2023.
A blog was written by Marvin Ross entitled, WHY ONTARIO'S MENTAL HEALTH ACT IS DEFICIENT - THE TALE OF A HOMELESS MAN WHO SHOULDN'T BE HOMELESS. Here is the link: https://dawsonross.wordpress.com/
I have a team of very gifted individuals who are guiding, encouraging and supporting me daily. The list is extensive including a group known as TEAM who have a mandate for MENTAL HEALTH REFORM.
This group consists of lawyers, psychiatrists and people with a vested interest in mental health. These individuals will be meeting with Hon. Michael Tibollo in the near future.
I especially want to thank Maureen Trask, Advocate for Missing Persons. Her son, Daniel, went missing and unfortunately was discovered deceased. Maureen was instrumental in successfully lobbying for the Ontario Missing Persons Act with the assistance of MMP Catherine Fife. Maureen now facilitates an online Peer Support Group. I am a member of that group.
In addition, I wish to thank Kerry McLean, volunteer investigator, PLEASE BRING ME HOME ORGANIZATION. It was Kerry's suggestion to start a petition. We never dreamed that the signatures would be of this magnitude. Our goal was to raise mental health awareness.
I am a MAMA BEAR and I will protect our son! Furthermore, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TRYING TO SAVE OUR SON'S LIFE!