UPDATE SEPTEMBER 9, 2023:
WE PLACED ALL OUR HOPES ON CAMH BECAUSE THIS PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL WAS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. UNFORTUNATELY OUR HOPES WERE DASHED!
They provided the WORST medical care of the three hospitals that Andrew has been taken to by the Toronto Police. I wish to point out that I blame the senior psychiatrist who guided the Resident in his decision.
At 1:00 a.m. September 6, 2023, a Resident, discharged Andrew into rain and darkness, alone on the streets of Toronto. This decision was in collaboration with a senior psychiatrist. What were they thinking?
I am not a medical doctor, but I know what the word ANOSOGNOSIA means. Andrew is impaired, when it comes to making decisions. He does not understand that he is seriously ill and needs medical attention. Thus, he told the doctors he wanted to leave the hospital.
How much value would you put on Andrew's decision? As parents, we would put zero value. However, the psychiatrists deemed Andrew not a harm to himself or others and said Andrew had free will to leave the hospital, as requested by him.
Now let's recap a couple things that were highlighted in the collateral information, that I provided with the Form 2 to the CAMH. Keep in mind that the psychiatrists said HE WAS NO HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS!
Andrew went up a ramp next to the Pearson Airport on August 15, 2023. This was in the pouring rain, and darkness. He was walking against the traffic and went on Highway 409.
Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act the 400-series highways are restricted to pedestrians. The OPP closely monitor these highways. Pedestrian violators may receive a $105 ticket and, for their SAFETY, will be relocated off the restricted highway by police.
Andrew was seen jay walking on Wellesley Street. Drivers were honking their horns. He could have been hit by a car or caused a very serious car accident injuring others.
Now what part of the above is not HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS? I really believe that the psychiatrists only consider the word SUICIDE in their definition. Well, I believe Andrew's actions could be considered potential suicide, as ANOSOGNOSIA impairs his judgement.
Andrew has made many bad decisions including the above examples. Not to mention, walking from Toronto to Vaughan Mills in a heatwave with no sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, food or water. He could have been dehydrated or had a sun stroke which could have killed him.
The end result of the psychiatrists assessment is SHOCKING! Is this the way the CAMH is training their Residents? If so, many more Andrews will suffer the same outcome. Would you want your son or daughter treated this way? Remember mental illness can happen to anyone.
What is it going to take for the Ontario psychiatrists to support Andrew's psychiatrist request for a medical transfer home to Prince Edward Island? Will it take a car accident where Andrew is seriously injured? Will it take a heart attack from walking excessive distances daily in the hot sun? In our minds it will take something major to happen before the Ontario psychiatrists change their stance on the situation. What will that be? Isn't this a very sad commentary.
I feel that this young Resident Doctor and senior psychiatrist have 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 and assist.
My computer has been flooded with posts from concerned Facebook members who read the outcome in total disbelief. There is public outcry brewing. I believe it is time to take action and introduce Mental Health Reform, to protect all the Andrew's in Canada.
HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A POST I RECEIVED: "As someone who was supporting a family member with schizophrenia until his untimely passing, I spoke at length with the coroner, autopsy and police team who all felt that the system needs to change. While they support the rights of individuals to make their own health care choices, they also felt that that the pendulum has swung too far. They want people to speak up. It is time for Andrew’s Law."
The Upper Village Cedarvale, Forest Hill & Allenby group set up a chat group, WHERE'S ANDREW? The kindness is extended to our son is beyond measure, Thank you very much.
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SIGHTINGS TODAY
7:45 a.m. Andrew was seen wearing the same clothes at Yonge and Sherwood. It is very chilly, dark and gloomy today. Definitely, Andrew needs a jacket.
8:00 a.m. Andrew was on corner of Eglinton and Soudan in front of Farm Boy. He was walking west on Soudan towards Yonge. He was talking to himself. There is a large hole in the rear of his pants and he is very dirty. Photo was sent.
9:10 a.m. Was walking on Eglinton Ave. West at Russell Hill Road. This is near Eglinton and Chaplain Crescent. Sent a photo.
9:35 a.m. Andrew was at Rexall Bathurst and Eglinton. A lady bought Fruit Loops for Andrew and he was very appreciative.
9:52 a.m. Andrew is at Rexall Eglinton and Chiltern. She was purchasing a bunch of goods for Andrew who was outside. He asked for 2L of Pepsi. He also accepted food and water and said, "Yes please" when asked if he would like them. She said Andrew was very kind.
9:58 a.m. At Rexall Bathurst and Eglinton. She asked if Andrew would like anything and he politely said, "no thank you."
10:00 a.m. Was at Glen Cedar and Eglinton. Had box of Fruit Loops and Pepsi in hand.
10:23 a.m. Saw Andrew at Eglington and Allen walking west. He was outside Beth Shalom Synagogue.
10:55 a.m. was at Marlee and Castlefield eating Fruit Loops.
12:09 p.m. was on corner of Marlee and Roselawn in front of gas station 850 Roselawn Ave . He was talking to himself.
12:30 p.m. Andrew was sleeping under a tree at Roselawn and Marlee.
3:21 p.m. Andrew was at Marlee and Roselawn. He had a four hour nap under a tree. A lady gave him treats which he took in his possession after she left. She said he had a beautiful peaceful energy and that is was a beautiful afternoon for a nap.
4:40 p.m. Saw Andrew Dufferin and Lawrence on the S.E. corner talking to himself. Side street is Corona.
4:49 p.m. Was at Marlee and Lawrence left strawberries Tropicana orange juice and chips.
5:38 p.m. Was at Eglingon and Ennerdale right outside the grocery story - No Frills. He walked north up Harley Ave with a small bag from the grocery store and a chocolate mild. He was talking to himself a lot. Both his shoes and pants are completely shredded
up. Photo sent
6:10 p.m. Was at Eglinton Avenue west of Ennerdale Road in front of No Frills. He looked tired and distressed. Andrew looked very exhausted and kept crouching over holding his belly. He accepted the bottle of water and returned to the corner and crouched again.
7:04 p.m. Andrew is at No Frills accepted granola bars, chocolate milk and chips. After he walked away he was sobbing out loud.
7:06 p.m. Was at No Frills at Dufferin and Eglinton scripting something over and over.
8:16 p.m. Was at Dufferin and Eglinton Photo sent.
8:29 p.m. Andrew was at Shopper's Dufferin and Lawrence. He was standing by the entrance.
.
Andrew walked 7.2. km from Lawrence and Keele, last sighting yesterday.
Andrew walked in the pouring rain and was soaked to the skin! Map is posted.
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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
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, 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. Deputy Minister, Lisa Thibeau said that she would review it.
I sent this 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.
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 7751 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!