UPDATE SEPTEMBER 23, 2023:
Andrew is now carrying or wearing a black toque. His toes are sticking out of his sneakers. He has been offered sneakers twice and he politely declined. Many thanks to the ladies that have been searching for Andrew. Andrew will only accept things when he thinks he needs them. Surely now, Andrew will realize that his sneakers are falling apart, as they have walked thousands of miles.
The Pure Intentions outreach workers searched for Andrew today. They have a pair of sneakers for Andrew.
Andrew left home 11 months ago. It has been a long and tough battle for Andrew and for us as parents. We wonder how much longer it will take before a psychiatrist agrees to admit Andrew to hospital on a Form 1. I will prepare our sixth Form 2 and have another interview with a JP or Judge. This process is difficult but will not deter us.
I find this song gives me some comfort, I WON'T LET GO by Rascal Flatts. It talks about coping.
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 8131 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 23, 2023:
2:13 p.m. Andrew was sitting in front of Dollarama at Landsdowne Dupont.
2:30 p.m. Andrew was spotted at Food Basics. He was carrying groceries heading north up Landsdowne. Thanks to everyone who contributed items.
3:30 p.m. Elizabeth, and Jeremy O'Brien have located Andrew several times and each time they were able to engage Andrew in a conversation. Andrew now recognizes them and is glad to see them and their two children. Today Andrew accepted an item of clothing but refused sneakers. They said Andrew will accept when he thinks he needs them. The sneakers are in terrible shape and hopefully they will last until the next encounter with the O'Brien's. Perhaps God has sent the O'Brien family to watch over Andrew and eventually win Andrew's trust.
5:57 p.m. Andrew is spotted at Dupont and Symington. Photo was sent.
Andrew seems to like this area. The people are really kind and friendly. The is the first time in many weeks that Andrew has walked less than 5 km.
7:10 p.m. A lady went searching for Andrew and located him at McDonald's where he was apprehended by police a few weeks ago. This is one of Andrew's favourite McDonald's locations. The lady offered him money and he accepted and said, "Thank you very much Ma'am." This was at St. Clair and Keele.
Andrew walked 4.5 km today.
SEEKING A COMPASSIONATE PSYCHIATRIST
We are 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.
We believe that the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones has a will to enforce the medical transfer provision, in the Ontario Mental Health Act. But first, we have to locate a psychiatrist who is willing to admit Andrew to hospital under a Form 1.
A lady associated with Pure Intentions Outreach contacted me. She will watch for Andrew and offer sneakers. There is also another lady that has sneakers and has been trying to locate him. Hope Andrew accepts sneakers soon as his sneakers are battered from the hundreds of kilometers that he has walked.
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."
Pamela Sanderson plans to pull together a rally in front of legislative buildings across Canada to change the Mental Health Act. It is called TIME TO HEAL: UNITED THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION. There is no date set yet.
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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 8131 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. 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!