UPDATE SEPTEMBER 22, 2023:
Many thanks to all my Facebook friends that sent thoughtful birthday wishes yesterday. Family and friends rallied round to make my day extra special. I must admit, that I had mixed emotions, as I celebrated with my wonderful husband, Lloyd. I was thankful for the many sightings received yesterday. Andrew is clearly deteriorating every day.
People have been so kind to Andrew. He was seen resting, at the corner of Yonge and Old Orchard Grove Park. He was sitting on the grass, in the shade, as it was a very sunny day in Toronto. However, Andrew was wearing a black toque.
Andrew was surrounded by food including cereal, and 12 pack of Coke. One very kind lady took Andrew a plate of hot homemade enchiladas and a fork. We thank her for her act of kindness.
Please send a photo of any clothing or sneakers that you have given to Andrew. These items help people to identify our son.
Yesterday I introduced 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. Yesterday, was one of them. There is a large hole in my heart. Andrew left P.E.I. 11 months ago today! I believe this song speaks to me in a meaningful way. 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 8122 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 22, 2023
8:35 a.m. a.m. Andrew was at Jane and Lawrence standing at a light chatting quietly to himself. Weather is warm with a cool breeze. He is dressed appropriately today. A photo was sent.
12:46 p.m. Andrew at Shopper's Drug Jane and Tretheway Drive. There is a Tim Horton's at this plaza as well. Chatting to himself and eating a bag of Ketchup chips. Sneakers are in bad shape, to the point where his toes are pointing out.
A video and photos were sent.
5:45 p.m. Andrew was spotted on Dundas St. West and Keele walking east on Keele.
6:01 p.m. Andrew was seen close to YMCA in the Junction. He looked like he trimmed up his beard. He was walking south on Dundas and Annette.
Andrew walked 15.1 km. today.
We are pleading for a compassionate Ontario psychiatrist that will assist our son's P.E.I. psychiatrist, 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. She will watch for Andrew and offer sneakers.
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."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The PLEASE BRING ANDREW BRYENTON HOME TO PEI PETITION has received 8122 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.
===========================================
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.
i+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
===========================================
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. I also wish to thank the members of TEAM who have been giving me advice and guidance. They are a group of lawyers, psychiatrists, social workers, police and parents with a vested interest. Their mandate is Mental Health Reform. They formed this group three years ago.
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!