UPDATE SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
I am sure many of you read my rant yesterday. Yes, I was very upset and angry! Would you want a police officer telling you to leave your adult child alone on the streets of Toronto to fend for himself/herself because he wants to live that way? As they put it, "He will be just fine, because the caring police officers and street navigators will keep an eye on him." Here is my response, "HOG WASH!" Remember that Andrew has anosognosia.
I write children's storybooks, but even I don't have that much IMAGINATION! The homeless are forced to search for shelter and food every day of their lives in all weather conditions. The police must have more imagination than I do, because this is not a fantasy world it is the homeless REALITY!
Do we want Andrew to live in the Toronto Police fantasy world? I DON'T THINK SO! I know I am a thorn in their side. But guess what, I am not going away! No parent should live this nightmare.
I am going to give you a reality check. I bet if you asked any of those well meaning officers what they would want for their homeless child, I dare say it would not be the answer they gave me!
There are 8092 people who have signed the PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME PETITION. These are caring and compassionate people from Ontario and P.E.I. that think Andrew should be transferred back home to P.E.I. for hospitalization. Are thousands of these people all wrong?
I TRULY THANK THE PEOPLE THAT ARE PROVIDING CLOTHING TO ANDREW, HOWEVER, I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WOULD SEND A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLOTHING TO ME, SO I CAN POST IT. BETTER STILL, IF YOU HAVE A PHOTO OF ANDREW WEARING THE CLOTHING PLEASE SEND IT. THANK YOU!
MY BIRTHDAY PRAYER AND WISH
I will be 73 years old on September 21, 2023. I think 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!
I want to thank a new Facebook friend for thinking of me. She feels that I am stressed out after an 11 month marathon. I think she is probably right. She sent me a beautiful box of supplements. The powders are various flavours and I started with strawberry. In addition, she sent me items to help with my stress levels. Yes, I know I am strong and determined but Lloyd is concerned about me. I will be of no use to Andrew if I get sick.
THE PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION HAS 8092 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.
I was advised that it is 9 degrees which feels like 5 degrees today. Andrew could probably use a jacket. Would appreciate if someone would offer a jacket as well as perhaps gloves. Please advise me colour of the jacket and gloves. Thank you. Andrew may politely decline. Please do not be offended.
SIGHTINGS TODAY:
9:00 a.m. Andrew was walking on Yonge, on west side of Yonge street and Davisville. He was heading north.
12:22 p.m. Andrew was seen on Yonge Street and Parkview Avenue. He was walking north on east side of Yonge.
1:30 p.m. Andrew is at Yonge and Finch in a park across from Shopper's Drug. He was sitting on a bench eating his cereal and sandwich. He is wearing his toque. The lady offered Andrew a coffee but she said Andrew is incoherent today. A video was sent.
LAST SIGHTING YESTERDAY:
6:00 p.m. Andrew was seen by a couple people outside of Shopper's Drug Jane and Tretheway. People got him cold Pepsi and hot pizza from Pizza Nova. He was treated to beef jerky and granola. Thanks so much to everyone. Andrew was in a good mood and was friendly and polite. Perhaps he is feeling better today.
Andrew has walked 17.8 km today
We are seeking a compassionate psychiatrist that will assist our son to get a medical transfer home to P.E.I. Please contact me directly if you are able to assist.
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.
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.
The TEAM group formed three years ago. I have been working with them as they provide advice on Andrew's medical transfer to P.E.I. and Community Treatment Orders. They are a group of professional lawyers, psychiatrists, social workers, police and parent's with a vested interest. I wish to thank Dr. Richard O'Reilly and and Dr. John Gray who have provided guidance for a proposed new Community Treatment Order on P.E.I. There are many others who have helped in so many ways. Their mandate is Mental Health Reform.
Andrew and countless other homeless people 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 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 8092 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.
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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!
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: " 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!