UPDATE SEPTEMBER 26, 2023:
URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP! WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT A PSYCHIATRIST IN TORONTO AND ASK IF THEY WILL ASSIST WITH ANDREW'S MEDICAL TRANSFER TO P.E.I?
THE PSYCHIATRIST ON P.E.I. WILL OFFER ASSISTANCE WITH THE MEDICAL TRANSFER. ALSO THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO EXECUTE THE MEDICAL TRANSFER ORDER PROVISION IN THE ONTARIO MENTAL HEALTH ACT.
THE P.E.I. GOVERNMENT WILL COVER THE COSTS OF THE MEDICAL TRANSFER. UPON ARRIVAL, ANDREW WILL BE HOSPITALIZED UNDER THE CARE OF HIS PSYCHIATRIST.
LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN! I DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP!
I WILL COMPLETE OUR 6TH FORM 2 APPLICATION AND HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE TORONTO COURT HOUSE. PRAYING THAT THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE OR JUDGE GRANTS THE APPLICATION.
THIS IS A GIANT JIG SAW PUZZLE. THE ONLY PIECE THAT IS MISSING IS THE PSYCHIATRIST WITH A COMPASSIONATE HEART THAT ASSESSES ANDREW AT THE HOSPITAL AND AUTHORIZES A FORM 1. ARE YOU THE PSYCHIATRIST THAT WILL HELP PERFORM THIS MIRACLE OR DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND THAT IS A PSYCHIATRIST?
The temperatures are falling in the evening and night. Andrew has no jacket, toque, gloves or warm footwear. Andrew is homeless and not capable of caring for himself. He has been depending on the generosity of Ontario residents since January 2023. Andrew is provided with food, water, and money every day to meet his needs.
I think the Ontario Government, as well as the Canadian Government should take a lesson from California. The TV program 60 Minutes aired recently and described how the Judges will now be permitted to issue MANDATORY TREATMENT FOR THE MENTALLY ILL. New Care Courts will be set up to handle the individual cases.
Think about all the thousands of people on the streets that could be rescued like Andrew. They could regain their dignity and their lives back. Do they not deserve this? I personally would rather see money spent on proactive interventions than housing the poor homeless souls in shelters for their life. Our son will not use a shelter or soup kitchen due to his paranoia.
Many thanks to everyone for sending posts, photos and videos with date, time and location. We are coping with the situation as best we can, thanks to your thoughtfulness and kindness.
Special thanks to a friend from First Baptist Church who came for a visit and brought homemade soup and fresh biscuits for supper last night. They were delicious and much appreciated.
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!
SIGHTING TODAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
8:25 a.m. Andrew was spotted walking north on Islington. He was at Islington and Fordwich Crescent Thistletown.
LAST SIGHTING SEPTEMBER 25, 2023
6:29 p.m. Andrew was at Walmart in the bakery department. Andrew was seen standing looking at the bakery items for quite some time. A lady offered to buy him some food. She also offered money and he politely declined both.
Andrew walked 1.5km yesterday.
MEDICAL TRANSFER PROVISION
We believe that the Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones has a will to execute 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 after a hopefully successful Form 2 Application.
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.
Andrew is still wearing his New England Patriots long sleeve brownish sweater, blue jeans and sneakers falling apart.
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 legislature 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. Let's rally for the change that California has made!
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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 8263 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!