UPDATE SEPTEMBER 17, 2023:
SIGHTINGS TODAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
9:49 a.m. Andrew was seen walking down Islington Ave. just south of the 401. He was headed towards Dixon. He was still wearing his New England Patriot's long sleeve shirt, brownish/brown plaid boxer underwear and a toque.
11:00 a.m. Andrew is seent walking at Westway and Royal York.
1:09 p.m. Andrew was on Jane and Tretheway eating chips walking north on Jane. A transit driver noticed him and contacted me.
1:45 p.m. Andrew was seen at Jane and Lawrence. He was heading north. He crossed Lawrence Street on a red light. A man offered Andrew pants and sneakers. Unfortunately, Andrew refused and was not happy. The man could see that Andrew was not coping well, and so he contacted me. I called the Toronto Police Department.
9:38 p.m. Andrew is seen sleeping on the ground in front of 2275 Weston Road. There is a canopy overhead for protection from the rain. He was wearing the New England Patriots long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and hat. We believe he is still wearing the battered sneakers. A lady who lives in the apartment came out with a drink and covered Andrew over with a blanket. There is a lady that will check on him throughout the night. Thanks so much for this generosity and love towards our son, Andrew.
Andrew walked 21.3 k.m. today.
I explained to them that it was totally out of character for Andrew to be so distraught and upset. No matter what I said, police officer would not listen to me. He said, "Andrew is an adult and he has the right to make his own decisions." Lately Andrew has been making nothing but BAD DECISIONS caused by anosognosia. The officer said, " He is not a harm to himself or anyone else." I feel that thousands of people would disagree with this statement. This is however, the mindset of some police officers. I realize they get tired of hearing relatives pleading for help for their mentally ill loved ones.
The people who located Andrew and myself agree that the system requires that Andrew must harm himself in some way or harm someone else. That could include a serious car accident.
We are seeking a compassionate psychiatrist that will assist our son to get a medical transfer home to P.E.I.
I want to assure everyone that the P.E.I. Government will incur the cost of the medical transfer and make all the necessary travel arrangements.
There have been many people asking me why my husband and I are not going to Toronto to rescue Andrew. Anyone who has dealt with a mental illness would know the answer to that question. Andrew has cut all his friends and family from his life due to his paranoia and distrust.
It is our belief that Andrew is exhausted, malnourished and sleep deprived. He may also have stomach and back issues. Andrew needs to be medically examined. There are many people who have experienced our heartache, turmoil and pain.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
I have been told that Andrew's tragic story has brought much awareness to the way in which the mentally ill are treated by the psychiatrists at the hospitals. They are pressured to not keep the mentally ill long in the hospital due to bed shortages. In fact, they went on to say that Andrew's story will possibly be the catalyst for change. There will eventually be Mental Health Reform. Politicians are now taking notice of the way the mentally ill are being treated. The homeless are literally thrown to the streets to fend for themselves. Stray dogs are treated better than this.
I believe something good will come out of Andrew's painful mental illness journey. Perhaps Andrew's story will help thousands of people in the future. Many are suffering and here is an example.
POST 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 the pendulum has swung too far. They want people to speak up. It is time for Andrew’s Law."
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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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LOBBYING EFFORTS
I have been lobbying since March 2023 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 became law September 9, 2023.
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 and former Senator, Diane Griffon, 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 7973 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 GLOBE AND MAIL story was written by Marcus Gee and published August 25, 2023.
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 Radio Host, Mitch Cormier interviewed me on Island Morning. We discussed the newly proclaimed P.E.I. MISSING PERSON'S ACT and its relevance.
I was also interviewed on Charlottetown CBC Compass TV by host, Steve Bruce, concerning the Missing Person's Act.
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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.
September 11, 2023. My Guest Post appeared in the Marvin Ross Blog. It was titled - A Mother's Plea for Treatment for her Homeless Son.
September 12, 2023. My Guest Post, A Mother's Plea for Her Homeless Son appeared in the WELCOME TO THE NEWSLETTER ON SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES. It also included an article by Dr. David Laing Dawson. The title was, A POSSIBLE REASON WHY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS ANDREW BRYENTON IS REJECTED BY HOSPITAL. It also included an anecdote to the Psychiatry Resident at CAMH.
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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." Please also check @M4MHCReform Thank you.
I am a MAMA BEAR and I will protect our son! Furthermore, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TRYING TO SAVE OUR SON'S LIFE!