UPDATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2023:
ALL POINTS BULLETIN
ANDREW IS MISSING TODAY.
Andrew has not been seen since 9:38 p.m. yesterday. He was sleeping outside an apartment at 2275 Weston Road. A lady contacted me and said that he left sometime between 4 - 5 a.m. He is believed to have taken the two blankets, one white and one red, that were given to him.
Andrew is now wearing a New England Patriots brownish long sleeve shirt, BLUE JEANS AND POSSIBLY A HAT. We think he is still wearing his tattered sneakers.
We are most concerned as he had a really bad day yesterday. A husband and wife found him and said that Andrew was not himself. He refused the pants and sneakers they brought him and he was most unhappy. They were wondering if he was in pain. He has been seen holding his stomach, sobbing and holding his left side.
There are several people out searching for Andrew tonight. The temperature is going down to 10 degrees and it is very windy.
PLAN OF ACTION
I plan to get up at 4:00 a.m. and call the Toronto Police Department to place a Missing Person's Report. The police always give me a difficult time in regards how do I know where Andrew was last seen? They find it unbelievable that I have been tracking Andrew 10 months on Facebook. They will say, "Well do you know this person? How do you know they are telling you the truth?" Then I explain that perfect strangers are sending me photos of Andrew with date, time and location. They are truly baffled by this.
This situation makes me angry, because I contacted the Toronto Police yesterday. Officer Wildman Badge 12421 contacted me and told me that Andrew was seen earlier at Freshco and was fine. He said, "Andrew is an adult and has the right to make his own decisions." My question is, "Did Andrew decide to disappear today or has someone harmed him? Or is he laying somewhere in pain and distress with no help?" I told the officer that I feared for Andrew, as I felt he was medically in pain, as well as having a serious mental illness. The witness of Andrew's irregular behaviour talked to the officer and reiterated what I told him. He refused to take action. I will be reporting this officer if anything has happened to Andrew because of his attitude and negligence. Some of the police do not understand that people like Andrew do not have the ability to make a sound decision due to the symptom of anosognosia. Andrew does not have the incite to understand that he is seriously ill and needs medical attention. We are very concerned tonight about Andrew's whereabouts and wellbeing.
MY BIRTHDAY PRAYER AND WISH: I will be 73 years old on September 21, 2023. I know the best gift I could ever receive is a medical transfer for our son, Andrew Bryenton. God can work MIRACLES. Jesus said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything!" Matthew 19:26. Please pray for a MIRACLE to happen this Thursday!
THE PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION HAS 8003 signatures. These are Ontario and P.E.I. residents who believe that Andrew should be given a medical transfer back home to P.E.I., where he will be hospitalized by his psychiatrist.
SIGHTINGS TODAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
NONE
LATEST SIGHTING SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
9:38 p.m. Andrew was sleeping in front of 2275 Weston Road. There was a canopy, which may have come in handy, due to rain that was forecast. Andrew is now wearing blue jeans, hat and his long sleeve New England Patriots long sleeve sweater. Looks like he still has the same tattered sneakers. Thanks to the donor of the new items. A lady who lives in the apartment gave Andrew a drink and covered him over with a blanket for the night! I believe this lady is a mother and I thank her very much for her generosity and compassion.
Update: Andrew slept at 2275 Weston Road until around 4 - 5 a.m. He left in an unknown direction. The lady came out in the middle of the night and put a white blanket on top of the red blanket. He took the both blankets that were given to him as he must have been cold. Many thanks to the two ladies who watched out for Andrew last night and provided him with blankets to keep warm.
No report for distance that Andrew walked today!
We are seeking a compassionate psychiatrist that will assist our son to get a medical transfer home to P.E.I.
A lady associated with Pure Intentions Outreach contacted me yesterday. She will watch for Andrew and offer assistance.
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. We believe that Andrew had a bad day yesterday because he was not medically and mentally well.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Andrew's heartbreaking story is reaching thousands of people daily. The very public daily postings are opening the eyes of people that never realized the plight of homeless people. Not only that, the daily struggles of loved ones who are trying to care for their loved one.
Andrew's story may be the catalyst necessary to finally challenge the existing mental health system moving forward with mental health reform. The homeless suffer daily for their basic needs that most people take for granted.
Andrew and many others do not have a bed, nutritious meals, clean and proper clothing for weather conditions, and suitable footwear.
When will this unhealthy and inhumane treatment of individuals come to a stop? Will it take countless lives lost before the politicians and medical system step up and make significant changes? You can make a difference by voicing your outrage and opinion. Canada is a wonderful country and proper treatment of the mentally ill should be a freely given, not something that you have to fight for daily.
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 PEI PETITION has received 8003 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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!
I was interviewed on CBC Radio and Television by hosts Mitch Cormier and Steve Bruce. I explained the P.E.I. Missing Person's Act and its relevance. I started lobbying for it in March 2023. Thankfully the Act was legislated September 9, 2023.
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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: " 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!