UPDATE SEPTEMBER 21, 2023:
I am sure most of you have a morning routine, where you crawl out of a cozy bed, and head for the kitchen. If you are anything like me, you have your favourite breakfast items. I will usually choose Cheerios or Raisin Bran, banana, and a perked coffee.
This morning I am thinking about Andrew, as I ponder this morning ritual. Andrew wakes up on a cold and damp concrete sidewalk. There is no restroom to wash his face. He has no money to purchase breakfast. His breakfast options include walking to Tim Horton's, Shopper's Drug or No Frills hoping someone will treat him to Fruit Loops, Cheerios, chocolate milk or orange juice. Lunch and supper he repeats, hoping people will be generous, kind and compassionate.
This is the lifestyle that the police officers suggested that I, as a mother, should permit Andrew to lead. Both male and female police officers said Andrew wants to be left alone. He chooses to be homeless and I should honour his request. I think both these officers need to take a course called, ANOSOGNOSIA 101.
Andrew has no insight that he is seriously ill. I realize this is hard to believe, but the symptom of ANOSOGNOSIA shuts the ability of reason down. Andrew lacks good judgement, therefore, there are reports of him darting in and out of cars on busy Toronto streets. Crossing on a red light and walking on an airport ramp to a major highway.
How heartbreaking this is for us as parents. It is like Andrew is playing Russian Roulette with his daily life. He is doing risky things not realizing the danger. One very bad decision could cost Andrew his life.
Please send a photo of any clothing or sneakers that you have given to Andrew. These items help people to identify our son.
MY BIRTHDAY PRAYER AND WISH DID NOT HAPPEN. I GUESS GOD IS NOT READY TO BRING ANDREW HOME.
I celebrated my 73rd birthday today, September 21, 2023. My medical transfer gift was not received. However, many friends and family reached out in love and kindness. I had very mixed emotions today.
Today, I am introducing a new song, I WON'T LET YOU GO by Rascal Flatts. It talks about coping. I must admit that some days are harder than others. Today, was one of them. There is a large hole in my heart. Andrew will be missing 11 months tomorrow. I believe this song is more appropriate than HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA0YKJ0_Ivk
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 soon!
THE PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO P.E.I. PETITION has 8111 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:
8:35 a.m. Andrew was on Lawrence north of Keele St. almost at Caledonia Road.
9:15 a.m. Andrew was walking on Lawrence and Marlee.
9:30 a.m. Andrew was seen walking at 3390 Bathurst Street and Lawrence. Three photos were sent. One is posted.
9:47 a.m. Andrew is at Bathurst and Lawrence outside of Shopper's Drug Mart. A lady offered him food but he declined. We really don't understand why he politely refuses.
2:59 p.m. Andrew seen outside of Metro on Yonge St. just north of Lawrence. A lady bought orange Gatorade but he politely declined. It is a warmish day.
LAST SIGHTING September 20, 2023:
1:30 p.m. Andrew is a 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.
2:59: p.m. Andrew was outside of Metro on Yonge Street just north of Lawrence.
4:33 p.m. Andrew was seen on the corner of Yonge Blvd and Old Orchard Grove north of Yonge and Lawrence. He was talking to himself. He had food and drink around him. He was sitting in a patch of grass in the shade. It was quite warm and sunny in Toronto today. A lady left him a plate of hot enchiladas with a fork. He also had cereal and a 12 pack of Coke. A lady mentioned that Andrew is in a safe part of the city.
Andrew walked 25.5 km yesterday.
I am pleading for 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. Andrew's psychiatrist is waiting to hear from an Ontario psychiatrist that is willing to support a medical transfer.
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.
Here is a sad post that 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 the pendulum has swung too far. They want people to speak up. It is time for Andrew’s Law."
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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! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LOBBYING EFFORTS
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 8111 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 and Kerry Mclane, PLEASE BRING ME HOME volunteer investigator. Kerry suggested I launch the petition.
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TWITTER ASSISTANCE NEEDED
Joey Killorn is @KillornJoe feel free anyone on this group St Clair West Residents Group. When you re post tag politicians, news media and anyone of relevance then please insert the #bringandrewhome2 PEI. Thats @KillornJoe X or Twitter." Please also check @M4MHCReform
I am a MAMA BEAR and I will protect our son! Furthermore, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TRYING TO SAVE OUR SON'S LIFE!