UPDATE SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE STILL REELING FROM ANDREW'S CAMH DISCHARGE at 1:00 a.m. September 6, 2023. Dr. Kien Crosse was the Resident Doctor, who made this decision, in collaboration with a senior psychiatrist.
It now appears that Dr. Kien Crosse did NOT have to contact Andrew's P.E.I. psychiatrist. The JP was not in error, but suggested that the consultation would be beneficial, and it would have been.
The end result of their assessment is SHOCKING. The doctor determined that Andrew is NO HARM TO HIMSELF OR OTHERS and had free will to leave the hospital. The offer of resources such as the day program was a token gesture at best, as Andrew would never use it in his current state of mind.
I feel that this young doctor has signed a death certificate for our son, Andrew. He will not be able to survive on the streets of Ontario this winter, as he refuses shelters, and soup kitchens. He will be found frozen in a snow bank and this has become our daily reality! He is barely existing on the streets of Toronto in the summer, when there are lots of people outdoors that recognize Andrew.
Andrew's decision to leave the hospital was based on his symptom of ANOSOGNOSIA which denies Andrew the ability to recognize that he is seriously ill and needs medical assistance. The doctor placed more value on the fact Andrew was asking to leave the hospital and not giving any value to ANOSOGNOSIA.
I phoned the CEO at CAMH yesterday leaving a long detailed message concerning my dissatisfaction with the care or lack thereof that Andrew received at their hospital. A person from the Patient's Relation Department phoned today. We talked for almost 25 minutes.
I told her that Andrew was sent to CAMH because I received very high recommendations about the care at that hospital. I told her that CAMH fell well short of my expectations.
I told her that the psychiatrists and hospitals in Ontario are holding our son captive on the streets homeless. They are refusing to admit Andrew and provide the Form 3 to stabilize him and prepare for the medical transfer to P.E.I.
Andrew is being offered hospitalization on P.E.I. by his psychiatrist, yet the Ontario psychiatrists will not support his decision for a medical transfer. This does not make any sense!
The Public Relations person realizes how unhappy and shocked we are with their decision to discharge Andrew. I asked if it would be possible to have a second opinion by a senior psychiatrist in case the Resident missed something. I realize this Resident was under supervision of a senior psychiatrist. I am sure Dr. Kien Crosse will remember Andrew's case for many years to come.
Andrew is deteriorating daily. He sometimes does not acknowledge that someone is speaking to him. Andrew turns down food, water and money. He was speaking to himself out loud previously but now is muttering. This is very alarming.
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SIGHTINGS TODAY
7:30 a.m. Andrew was at Jane and Lawrence and had a red blanket wrapped around his shoulders as it was chilly and he had been soaked from the rain. He was eating from a cereal box. Many thanks to the people who helped Andrew.
8:08 a.m. The weather is chilly in Toronto today. Andrew was seen walking eastbound at Lawrence Ave, west towards Keele. He was wearing an orange/red blanket. There were photos sent.
4:24 p.m. Andrew was at southwest corner of Lawrence and Duval, right in front of the North Park Plaza. He was carrying a box of cereal. There is a Walmart and Metro at this location. She was going to grab Andrew some food but then could not locate him. She will try again another day.
4:30 p.m. Andrew is now at Lawrence and Keele.
Andrew walked 25k from the destination last night in the pouring rain and was soaked to the skin! Map is posted.
LAST SIGHTING ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
4:10 p.m. Andrew seen walking westbound on Wilson Avenue and Keele walking in direction of Humber Hospital.
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I believe the song, "You'll Never Walk Alone" is very fitting for our son, Andrew, and me. The photo of Jesus with a young man looks like Andrew.
Our son's dream to become a Bank Manager was tossed and blown when he became mentally ill five years ago.
Andrew has suffered immensely through snow storms, cold temperatures, darkness, freezing rain, hail, high winds, torrential downpours, thunder, lighting, and heat waves.
But I believe God has walked every step of the way with Andrew over thousands of miles. Andrew was a Youth Leader and Deacon at The First Baptist Church, Charlottetown, P.E.I. He was a much loved and respected Assistant Bank Manager.
Here is the link for You'll Never Walk Alone" by the Letterman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93KD2fb9EFY
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PLEASE NOTE
I have missed some sightings because the photo, date, time and location were posted on a Facebook Community Page. Please send PM to me MARLENE BRYENTON - thanks!
I think it best to offer Andrew your generous grocery item. If he politely declines, offer to leave it near Andrew and perhaps he will accept it. It seems Andrew will only accept what he feels he needs at the time and refuses to hoard.
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ADVOCACY
I have been advised to increase advocacy efforts. Please contact Premier Doug Ford at Premier@Ontario.ca 416-327-4300, I left a message. The other numbers were forwarded to this number.
Hon. Sylvia Jones Sylvia.jones@Ontario.ca 416-327-4300
Hon. Michael Tibollo michael.tibollo@ontario.ca 416-327-4300
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MEDIA COVERAGE
The GLOBE AND MAIL story was written by Marcus Gee and published August 25, 2023.
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LOBBYING EFFORTS SUCCESSFUL
I have been lobbying several months for a P.E.I. Missing Person's Act with the assistance of MLA Susie Dillon. I am happy to announce that the P.E.I. Missing Person's Act will become law September 9, 2023.
There was an article in the Charlottetown Guardian March16, 2023 titled, "COMMENTARY: A parents worst nightmare: P.E.I. should implement missing person legislation. It was about our son, Andrew Bryenton.
There was a random photo of a homeless person sleeping on the streets. This came to real life when someone sent a photo of Andrew sleeping in midday on a street in Toronto. It was heartbreaking.
I explained to the reporter that the Ontario Missing Person's Act assisted the Toronto Police greatly in the search for Andrew and could do the same for others. I also contacted the P.E.I. politicians to legislate this important Bill which could help in investigations.
It had first reading in the spring of 2021. It required 2nd reading and Royal Assent which happened August 1, 2023.
Unfortunately, Summer Kneebone is now missing on P.E.I. and the police will be authorized to use many investigative techniques such as searching financial records, cell phone, video surveillance, and added details to the Missing Person's Alert. etc.
In addition, I am lobbying for a P.E.I. Community Treatment Order. Dr. Richard O'Reilly, psychiatrist, from London, Ontario believes the New Brunswick Community Treatment Order is the best to both assist the mentally ill and clinicians. In his opinion, it is the gold star, modern standard and should be considered.
I sent the Community Treatment Order to Premier Dennis King, Hon. Mark McLane, Minister of Health, Deputy Minister Lisa Thibeau, MLA Susie Dillon, Dr. Javier Salabarria, Medical Director Mental Health & Addictions, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Prince Edward Island. Deputy Minister Lisa Thibeau responded and said it would be reviewed.
In addition, I am working with MP Sean Casey on an Advanced Medical Directive.
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PLEASE NOTE
PLEASE DO NOT CALL ANDREW BY NAME. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT POLICE UNLESS ANDREW IS IN DISTRESS. MY PROFILE PAGE PROVIDES UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
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THE PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION REACHED THE GOAL OF 7500 SEPTEMBER 5, 2023. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SIGN. THANK YOU.
The PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO PEI PETITION has received 7711 signatures so far. These are caring and compassionate residents of Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Here is the link: https://chng.it/TMKMZfHH2p It is fast and free.
Change.Org states that with 7,500 signatures, this petition is more likely to get a reaction from the decision makers. PLEASE HELP SURPASS THE GOAL OF 7500!
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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.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
The TORSTAR YORK REGION.COM story written by Kim Zarzour was published Saturday, August 26, 2023. The headline was, "GUT-WRENCHING NIGHTMARE": FROM P.E.I. TO TORONTO MOTHER SEARCHES TO HELP HER HOMELESS SON. The second part was published August 31, 2023. https://twitter.com/kimzarzour/status/1697226704505201017
Kim advised me that Andrew's story was the most read on September 1, 2023!
Charlottetown CBC reporter, Jessica Doria-Brown, contacted me and advised that she is working on Andrew's story.
A Toronto Star reporter contacted me. I hope to hear from them soon.
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MARVIN ROSS BLOG
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/
Marvin submitted Andrew's story to the Hamilton Spectator, August 31, 2023. https://twitter.com/dysdads/status/1697221154971279544?s=20
Learn how Toronto has reacted with compassion to the story of Andrew the homeless PEI man with untreated mental illness compared to the sad response to people who suffer from homelessness in Hamilton.
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ANDREW'S ANGEL TEAM
I have a team of very gifted and talented individuals who are guiding, encouraging and supporting me daily. The list is extensive.
In particular, I wish to thank Maureen Trask, Advocate for Missing Persons. Maureen's son, Daniel, went missing and unfortunately was discovered deceased. Maureen facilitates a Peer Support Group for Missing Persons. I am a member of that group. Maureen also successfully lobbied for the Ontario Missing Persons Act with the assistance of MPP Catherine Fife.
Also, I wish to thank Kerry McLane, volunteer investigator with the PLEASE BRING ME HOME ORGANIZATION. Kerry helped search for Andrew in Ontario. In addition, Kerry suggested I start the PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION.
TWITTER ASSISTANCE NEEDED
Joey Killorn's post stated: " I have gone to Twitter on this and lobbying all sorts of people. I am @KillornJoe feel free anyone on this group St Clair West Residents Group to repost, repost and repost again the post on twitter I have put up. When you re post tag politicians, news media and anyone of relevance then please insert the #bringandrewhome2 PEI. Thankyou for all your support that you have given Marlene Bryenton and continued prayers for Andrew, thankyou and Godspeed Thats @KillornJoe X or Twitter."
I am a MAMA BEAR and I will protect our son! Furthermore, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TRYING TO SAVE OUR SON'S LIFE!